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Published on: January 26, 2016
Study on disinfestation of pulses using microwave technique
Ranjeet Singh1, K K Singh, N Kotwaliwale
1Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Nabi Bagh, Berasia Road, Bhopal, 462 038 India.
Journal of Food Science and Technology
|August 2, 2013
Summary
Microwave radiation effectively controls pulse beetles (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) at adult stages. Lower power levels and optimized exposure times preserve seed viability and germination in chickpeas, pigeon peas, and green grams.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural entomology
- Food science
- Radiation biology
Background:
- The pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) is a significant pest of stored pulses.
- Effective and safe methods for controlling pulse beetle infestations are crucial for food security.
- Microwave radiation presents a potential non-chemical pest control alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of microwave radiation in controlling adult pulse beetles.
- To determine optimal microwave exposure parameters (time and power) for pulse beetle mortality.
- To assess the impact of optimized microwave exposure on the quality of chickpeas, pigeon peas, and green grams.
Main Methods:
- Continuous exposure of adult pulse beetles to microwave radiation (2450 MHz) at varying power levels (20-100%) and exposure times.
- Optimization of microwave exposure time to achieve 100% insect mortality for different power levels.
- Evaluation of seed viability, germination, cooking, and milling characteristics of treated pulses.
Main Results:
- A dose-exposure curve was established, with mortality following a third-degree polynomial equation.
- Optimized microwave exposure effectively killed adult pulse beetles.
- Decreasing microwave power levels increased seed viability and germination rates for all tested pulses.
- Cooking and milling characteristics remained unaffected by microwave exposure.
Conclusions:
- Microwave radiation is a viable method for controlling adult pulse beetles.
- Optimized microwave treatment parameters can achieve high mortality rates while preserving pulse seed quality.
- Further research can explore the application of this technology for stored product protection.
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