Application of microwave and radio frequency energy to control Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in maize grains

Infestation with the insect pest is a major problem associate with producing, storing and marketing of grains. Microwave and radio frequency are emerging as safe alternatives to chemical methods, eliminating chemical residue and minimize the grain damage. The present study was performed to investigate the efficiency of microwave and radio frequency in controlling life stages of Sitophilus zeamais in maize grains with different initial moisture contents at various temperatures and holding times. The results indicated that there is a possibility of using microwave and radio frequency energy in controlling Sitophilus zeamais in maize grains at maximum temperatures of 55 and 60°C by using radio frequency and microwave energy. Both of MW and RF energy reduced the germination rate of maize grains. However, they caused no significant change on the chemical composition of maize grains. Moreover, the finding confirmed that radio frequency heating was more effective than microwave heating in the eradication of S. zeamais as well as maintaining higher germination rate of maize grain than those of microwave heating.