Combination of Microwave Radiation and Cold Storage for Control of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Col.: Silvanidae) and Sitophilus oryzae (Col.:Curculionidae).

Abstract

The impact of microwave radiation in conjunction with cold storage on Oryzaephilus surinsmensis (Herbst) and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) adults either continuously or intermittently was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The insects were exposed to 2450 MHz at power level of 100 W for exposure time of 10 min continuously and intermittently. In all experiments, the highest mortality rate was achieved for intermittent exposure time of 10 min and 72 h cold storage duration. Intermittent exposures were generally more effective in killing insects of both species compared with those of continuous irradiation. Combinations of microwave radiation and cold storage were found highly compatible and synergistic. The synergistic interaction indicates that microwave radiation can be used with cold storage for management of Oryzaephilus surinsmensis and Sitophilus oryzae adults. This treatment could pave the way for an effective and friendly environmental treatment technique under field conditions. Key word: Microwave irradiation, Heat treatment, Stored products pests, Synergistic impact