A Professor of Stored Products Entomology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Mercy Olayinka Oni, has advocated the replacement of synthetic insecticides with plant-based alternatives for the preservation of stored agricultural products such as grains, beans, and cereals.
She described plant-derived insecticides as safer, affordable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly solutions capable of protecting stored products from destructive pests without the harmful effects associated with synthetic chemicals.
Professor Oni made the call while delivering the 199th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Speaking on the theme, “Eco-Friendly Innovations: Tapping into Plant-Derived Insecticides for Stored Products Pest Control,” the entomologist warned that the excessive dependence on synthetic insecticides was silently undermining food safety, environmental stability, and human health.
According to her, many indigenous plants possess natural insecticidal properties capable of reducing post-harvest losses while preserving food quality and safeguarding human health.
She noted that the increasing use of botanical insecticides could significantly enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing countries.
Professor Oni further expressed concern over the growing dependence on synthetic insecticides in the management of storage pests, warning that the practice was creating a dangerous cycle of resistance, contamination, and ecological imbalance.
She explained that although synthetic insecticides had played a major role in protecting stored agricultural produce over the years, their continuous and indiscriminate use had reduced their effectiveness as insect populations gradually developed resistance.
According to her, this situation forces users to apply higher doses of chemicals, thereby increasing chemical residues in food products and exposing consumers to greater health risks.
The professor also highlighted the environmental consequences of synthetic insecticides, including soil and water contamination, destruction of beneficial insects, and disruption of ecological balance.
On human health, she cautioned that long-term exposure to pesticide residues in stored food could contribute to respiratory illnesses, hormonal disruption, neurological disorders, and potential carcinogenic risks.
As a sustainable alternative, Professor Oni strongly recommended the adoption of plant-derived insecticides, describing them as eco-friendly, biodegradable, and safer for both consumers and the environment.
She identified botanicals such as neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic, chilli pepper, eucalyptus, and pyrethrum as effective natural pest control agents with proven insecticidal properties.
According to her, these plant-based solutions not only reduce dependence on chemicals but also offer affordability and accessibility for farmers and storage managers, especially in developing economies.
She stressed the need for increased research and the integration of indigenous botanical knowledge into modern pest management systems to strengthen food security and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, who chaired the occasion, described the lecture as timely and insightful.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Taiwo Amos, Oladiji said the inaugural lecture aligned with the university’s commitment to advancing research-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection.
She added that the university’s inaugural lecture series continued to reinforce FUTA’s role in promoting innovative academic discourse aimed at addressing critical national and global challenges.
