Pecan Weevil Control by Dielectric Heating

Abstract

AbstractExposure of pecan-weevil-infested in-shell pecans of 6.1% kernel moisture to 43-MHz dielectric healing treatments nts for 25 s Kilkd all of the larvae in she pecans. Similar treatment of larvae in pecan kernel pieces of 2.6% moisture provided complete control with Tiorier exposures and lower temperatures in the pecans. Microwave hcatmg treatments at 2450 MHz were somewhat less effective in controlling pecan weevil larvae in broken pieces of pecan kernels and shells than were 40-MHz treatments of the same materials. The importance of pecan moisture content is discussed. Treatments that control the larvae in in-shell pecans will probably reduce pecan germination substantially, but effects on pecans for food uses have not yet been evaluated.