Microwaves at higher frequencies-
Can they be used for stored product pest control?
Abtract:
Previously reported experiments on the application of microwaves, for stored product pest control, have shown that selective heating of insects and their resulting mortality is a non-linear function of frequency above 2.45GHz in the vicinity of increasing relaxation processes associated with free water.
The treatment of wheat infested with larvae and adults of Sitophilus zeamais with microwaves at frequencies of 12, 15, 17.9, and 55 GHz with varying energy inputs, indicated that 15GHz produced greater mortality among adult weevils than 12 and 17.9 GHz.
However, 55 GHz produced the greatest mortality in larvae and adults. Subsequent tests, performed at fixed frequencies of 14.25 and 28 GHz with constant energy inputs indicated that for some frequencies mortality also appears to be a non- linear function of energy input and that very short exposure times (with corresponding high power inputs) might be critical to ensure high mortality.
The treatment of an infested product at a frequency of 28 GHz in a dynamic procedure showed great promise, with completely controlling adults and larvae at low product temperatures of 36, 44, and 55 degrees Celcius. Exposure times for this procedure were less than one second.
Proceedings of the 7th International Working Conference on Stored-product Protection- Volume 2
Co-collaborators of this paper are:
Rudy Plarre, Steven L. Halverson, Wendell E. Burkholder, Timothy S. Bigelow, and M. E. Misenheimer |
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the complete paper in .pdf format HERE
Conceptual idea of insect control process used in a typical grain storage facility.
Grain flow drops through applicator for exposure to microwave energy before being stored. |
