PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (June 25, 2026) — Insect infestations can damage stored agricultural products and reduce their quality. A new research project at Prairie View A&M University aims to help address that challenge by developing environmentally friendly ways to protect food during storage.

Sameh Abdelwahed, Ph.D.

Supported by a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the project is led by Dr. Sameh Abdelwahed, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with Dr. Keyan Zhu-Salzman, professor of entomology at Texas A&M University.

The study, titled “Enhancing Food Storage Using Natural Plant Oils and Nano-Preservatives to Prevent Insect Infestation,” focuses on developing environmentally friendly preservatives made from plant-based essential oils. The goal is to help protect stored agricultural products from insect damage while offering an alternative to synthetic pesticides.

To accomplish this, researchers are combining natural oils such as neem, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and cedarwood with nanotechnology. The team will develop tiny, biodegradable carriers that hold the oils and release them slowly over time, providing longer-lasting protection against common storage pests.

The project includes developing and studying these materials, examining how the oils are released over time and testing their effectiveness against insects, such as the Indian meal moth and red flour beetle.

Researchers will also explore how the technology can be used in real-world food storage systems and evaluate safety considerations to ensure the solutions are practical, scalable, and safe for consumers.

In addition to advancing research in food protection, the project will provide valuable opportunities for PVAMU students. Undergraduate researchers will gain hands-on experience in nanotechnology, chemistry and sustainable agriculture, helping prepare them for graduate studies and careers in STEM fields.

The grant further strengthens PVAMU’s growing research portfolio and supports efforts to address challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability and pest resistance.

-PVAMU-