Microwaves to control Callosobruchus maculatus in stored mung bean (Vigna radiata)

Disinfestation of stored grains using microwaves can be an alternative to chemical methods for controlling insects in grains and pulses. Mung bean of 12% moisture content (m.c.) was infested with different life stages of the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and exposed to 200, 300 or 400 W microwave power levels for 14, 28 and 42 s. One hundred percent insect mortality for all life stages (egg, young larva, old larva, pupa and adult) was achieved with exposure to 400 W power level for 28 s, which caused a surface temperature of mung bean of 68.1 °C. Eggs were the most susceptible and adults were the least susceptible life stages to microwave treatments. No significant difference was observed between mortality of larvae and pupae stages and their mortality was between eggs and adults. Mung bean temperatures increased and germination decreased with increased power level or exposure time.

► Mortality for all life stages of Callosobruchus maculatus was 100% at 400 W microwaves for 28 s. ► Eggs were the most susceptible and adults were the least susceptible life stages. ► Mung bean temperatures increased and germination decreased with increased power level or exposure time.