Oviposition preference and development of Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on different radiofrequency fields

Abstract

Maruca vitrata is considered as one of the major impediments in boosting up the production of tropical legumes. Since chemical pesticides have an adverse effect on human health and environment, there is an urgent need for developing a non‐chemical based method to replace chemical insecticides for controlling of pests. We investigated the oviposition, development and adult performances of M. vitrata at five radiofrequency levels of 0 (control without frequency), 5, 10, 20, and 30 kHz on artificial diet. In addition, the effects were also studied in three successive generations (Parent, F1‐ and F2‐ generations) of M. vitrata. The results showed that radiofrequency application had significant effects on the life‐variables of M. vitrata. Radiofrequency exposures on M. vitrata not only impacted on oviposition, developmental time, adult longevity, and adult weight but negative effects were also transmitted to the successive generations. Oviposition was found to reduce as generation passed after exposed to radiofrequencies. Total developmental times from egg to adult emergence were longer with shorter longevity in case of radiofrequency treatment than untreated. Decreasing the radiofrequency level further increased time for development of adults as generation passed. The shortest adult longevity occurred at 5 kHz treatment. The outcomes of this study are discussed in terms of targeting susceptibilities to radiofrequency as an alternative to chemical treatments.