The effect of gamma and microwave irradiation of wheat grain on development parameters of some stored grain pests

Wheat grain was treated with different doses of gamma irradiation or different times of microwaves. Gamma rays (0.05-10 kGy) caused statistically significant differences in soluble protein contents and kernel hardness. Microwave treatment (15-180 s) resulted in some statistically significant changes in moisture and soluble protein contents. Mortality, intensity of feeding, fertility of adults, progeny number and development time of larvae of the granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.) on treated grain were observed. On the basis of progeny number and larval development time the coefficient of food value (CFV) was calculated. Some statistical differences were stated in studied parameters, however no one in all calculated coefficients of food values. The same treated grain was also used as a food for larvae of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv.) and Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella Zell.). Mortality of larvae and their development time were studied. Only gamma irradiated wheat grain at the dose 0.1 kGy used as a food for larvae of T. confusum Duv. caused statistically significant extension of development time by 7 days, when comparing to the control food. On the other hand, microwave treatment of wheat grain used as food significantly shorten the development time of larvae in both species.