Abstract
The research was aimed to establish whether dielectric heating at radio frequencies (RF)—an alternative method to ozone-depleting methyl bromide fumigation and to convective heating—could bring green lodgepole pine boards infested with pinewood nematodes (PWN) to pasteurization requirements. Artificially infected specimens were treated using a laboratory RF oven and post-treatment nematode survival levels were assessed. Both tested combinations of 56°C/30 min and 60°C/15 min were effective in eradicating PWN. A power density of 50 kW/m3 maintained for 75 minutes fully pasteurized all the tested boards and proved to be the right combination if no temperature sensors are used. The data gathered supports the idea that pasteurization by RF heating is a reliable and swift alternative treatment to fumigation and convective heat treatment.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call