Resistance to the Fumigant Phosphine and Its Management in Insect Pests of Stored Products: A Global Perspective

Development of resistance in major grain insect pest species to the key fumigant phosphine (hydrogen phosphide) across the globe has put the viability and sustainability of phosphine in jeopardy. The resistance problem has been aggravated over the past two decades, due mostly to the lack of suitable alternatives matching the major attributes of phosphine, including its low price, ease of application, proven effectiveness against a broad pest spectrum, compatibility with most storage conditions, and international acceptance as a residue-free treatment. In this review, we critically analyze the published literature in the area of phosphine resistance with special emphasis on the methods available for detection of resistance, the genetic basis of resistance development, key management strategies, and research gaps that need to be addressed.