Quantifying insect-induced losses in stored rice: a systematic review of grain damage, weight loss, and postharvest implications

Introduction Globally, rice grain production has increased, raising concerns about rice storage volumes and the management of post-harvest insect infestations. To monitor these losses, identifying global food loss data is important. The present systematic review aimed to develop comprehensive evidence from experimental studies on the quantitative loss parameters of various rice grain forms due to insect infestation during storage. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The research articles published in the English language between January 1928 and June 2026 were included. A total of forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Results The review results indicated that insect infestation during rice grain storage resulted in weight loss ( n = 33), insect-damaged grains ( n = 24), and frass accumulation ( n = 7), as well as hundred-kernel weight ( n = 1) and thousand-kernel weight ( n = 1). Discussion The study emphasizes the necessity of uniformity in data collection to draw conclusive insights. Furthermore, longitudinal studies extending beyond laboratory susceptibility testing are necessary to examine the effects of pest infestation density on actual grain loss and economic impact, ultimately aiding in understanding global quantitative rice grain losses and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 3, and 12.