Data from: Efficacy of long-lasting insecticide-incorporated netting in controlling preharvest and postharvest pest insects: a meta-analysis study

This dataset aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on the utilization of LLINs in the management of pre- and postharvest pest insect species (excluding those in urban systems and vectors). By synthesizing findings from a broad spectrum of studies, we aim to discern patterns relative to system and experimental design and develop a new synthesized understanding of the effectiveness of LLINs in agriculture. Moreover, our dataset intends to identify and address gaps in current knowledge. Through a meta-analytical approach, this review aims to distill key insights that can inform future research directions, and practical applications in the integrated management programs of pre- and postharvest insect pests.

The goal of this dataset is to understand the efficacy of long-lasting insecticide netting in agriculture. We used databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to find studies related to LLIN. First, we carried out a literature search on the topic of insecticide netting. We used various Keyword combinations to identify a broad initial dataset, including various terms such as ‘netting’, ‘LLIN’ ‘insecticide netting’ in combination with either ‘insects’, ‘preharvest’, ‘postharvest’, and ‘agriculture’. Papers were individually checked to ensure they met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, which included that 1) articles were published between 1990–2024, 2) the focus was on agricultural crops (not urban systems or vectored diseases), 3) netting was not solely used for exclusion (e.g., in the absence of an insecticidal ingredient), and 4) included a proper negative or stakeholder standard control. At the end, this left us with a total of 44 peer-reviewed publications (23 postharvest + 22 preharvest studies, one common study for pre and postharvest insects) with 285 data points on the efficacy of LLINs in agriculture. However, an additional required criterion was that all studies needed to present means, standard errors, and samples sizes for both controls and LLIN treatment. After this additional criterion, there was a final total of 31 peer-reviewed publications (19 postharvest + 12 preharvest studies). Additionally, potential publication bias was assessed by using funnel plots, and statistical tests were evaluated.