Commodity Type |
Typical Pests |
Damage Mode |
Grains (wheat, maize, rice) |
Rice weevil, lesser grain borer, saw-toothed grain beetle |
Boring, weight loss, mold growth |
Oilseeds (soy, canola)
| Red flour beetle, Indian meal moth |
Surface feeding, contamination |
Pulses (lentils, chickpeas) |
Pea weevil, pulse beetle |
Seed damage, germination loss |
Nuts & Dried Fruit |
Almond moth, psocids |
Webbing, spoilage, off-flavors |
Method |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
Phosphine Gas |
Aluminum phosphide or magnesium phosphide pellets release PH₃ |
Low residue, penetrates bulk |
Longer exposure times; gas leaks |
Methyl Bromide (restricted)
| Broad-spectrum gas; being phased out under Montreal Protocol |
Fast action, short treatment |
Ozone-depleting; strict quotas |
Sulfuryl Fluoride |
Alternative to methyl bromide, often for structural fumigation |
Effective on insects |
More expensive; specialized equipment |
Controlled Atmospheres |
Reduced O₂ / elevated CO₂ |
Chemical-free; safe residues |
Requires airtight structures; slower |
Bio-fumigants & Botanicals |
Diatomaceous earth, neem-based powders, plant volatiles |
Eco-friendly; low toxicity |
Variable efficacy; dosage control |