EFFECT OF MICROWAVE RADIATION ON THE CONTROL OF RED FLOUR BEETLE Tribolium castaneum (HERBST).

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of exposing the stages of the Tribolium castaneum beetle to microwaves at power levels of 540, 810, and 1080 watts and exposure times of 60, 90, and 120 seconds. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the effects of power levels and exposure times in the third and fifth instar larvae, but not in treatment of pupae and adults. The mortality rates increase with higher energy levels and exposure durations. The highest mortality rate was reached at an energy level of 1080 watts and an exposure duration of 120 seconds in both third instar larvae, fifth instar larvae, pupae, and adults, reaching 100% mortality for the insect stages respectively. The lowest mortality rate was 43.33%, 23.33%, 10%, and 16.33% for the third and fifth instar larvae, pupae, and adults, respectively, at a power level of 540 watts and an exposure time of 60 seconds.