Non thermal plasma for control of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Non thermal plasma is a novel promising method for insect control. In order to study the effect of the atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) on Plodia interpunctella, two treatment variables were used: 1) distance from nozzle of APPJ (11, 13 or 15 cm) and number of APPJ pulses (1, 5, 10, 15 or 20 pulses). Significant increases in larval and pupal mortality and a decrease in adult emergence were observed with increase of APPJ pulses and decrease of distance from the nozzle. Larvae were more sensitive than pupae to the irradiation, but the treated pupae induced a higher percentage of malformed adults than treated larvae. Changes in antioxidant enzymes activities, catalase (CAT) - glutathione S-transferase (GST) and peroxidase (GSH-Px), in the body tissues of the last larval instar were examined after 24 h post treatment with 15 pulses at a distance of 11 cm. CAT and GST activities increased significantly in treated larvae compared with the control value. On the other hand, no significant change in GSH-Px activity was observed. A significant increase in the level of lipid peroxide (LPO) and reductions in the level of glutathione (GSH) and protein content occurred in treated larvae in comparison with the control. This study could pave the way for an effective and friendly environmental treatment technique in stored product insect management.