Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of UV-C radiation in controlling the maize weevils (S. zeamais Motschulsky) in stored maize. The maize and insects (adult and immature stages) were simultaneously irradiated with UV-C dose of 10 J/cm2. UV-C radiation can be used as control of adult weevils because it presented a lower number of live adult weevils (33.6 counts), reduction in the loss of grain mass (15 g), and fewer damaged grains (12.9%), however, not affect the control of the immature stages. The carotenoid content of maize grains was reduced after UV-C treatment and storage. Electrical conductivity was highest in treatment without UV-C in adult weevils owing to the higher number of insects. UV-C radiation in pre-storage was effective only in the control of adults; however, it is a technology free of chemical residues, allowing the processing of the grains at any time of storage. Practical applications Ultraviolet (UV-C) radiation is widely used in food disinfection. This technology is free of residues, low-cost, and easy-to-use, but still little used in grain postharvest. Inhibition of weevil population growth is observed when UV-C radiation is applied to maize containing adult stages of the weevil. In addition, minor changes in maize quality are verified. The knowledge generated by this work can be used by industries and suppliers as an alternative to conventional pest controls.
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