Study on disinfestation of pulses using microwave technique

Abstract

Mortality of the pulse beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) exposed, continuously, to microwave radiation (2450 MHz) was evaluated as a function of exposure time and percent power level, at adult stages. The microwave exposure time to attain 100% insect mortality at 100 %, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% power levels for Chickpea, Pigeon Pea and Green Gram was optimized. Effect of optimized microwave exposure time on viability, germination, cooking and milling characteristics of Chickpea, Pigeon Pea and Green Gram was also evaluated. Adult stage study was characterized by a distinct dose-exposure curve. The mortality curve was following third degree polynomial equation. The seed viability and germination of Chickpea, Pigeon Pea and Green Gram was affected by microwave exposure time and power level. It was observed that as the power level is decreasing the germination and viability of all the pulses are increasing. The effect on cooking and milling characteristics are not affected by microwave exposure time and power level. The insects in the mobile state were observed to move towards the surface from inside the nutrient medium during microwave exposure. They also curled up and in some cases aggregation was observed.

Microwave Heating as an Alternative Quarantine Method for Disinfestation of Stored Food Grains

“…Raising the temperature of infested materials by any means can be used to control insects if the infested product can tolerate the temperature levels that are necessary to kill the insects. There has been a lot of research on microwave disinfestation of cereals especially wheat [ 33 , 98 – 104 ] and of some other food materials such as nuts [ 28 ], corn [ 105 ], pulses [ 106 , 107 ], and cherries [ 89 ]. Exposure to microwave energy could cause physical injuries and reduced reproduction rates in surviving insects [ 75 ].…”

“…The power level and exposure time were optimized based on insect mortality, color, and antinutrient factor with the value of power and exposure time of 800 W and 80 s, respectively. Singh et al [ 106 ] have also studied the disinfestation of pulse beetle (adult stage) in chickpea, pigeon pea, and green gram as a function of exposure time and power level by exposing it continuously to microwave radiation (2450 MHz). The mortality of insect was found to increase with increase in microwave exposure time and power level or both.…”

Microwave technology for disinfestation of cereals and pulses: An overview

“…A pilot-scale industrial microwave system operated at 2.45 MHz was used by Vadivambal et al (2010), to study the mortality of three stored grain insects: Sitophilus zeamais, Tribolium castaneum, and Plodia interpunctella at 14, 16, and 18 % moisture level in corn at various microwave power levels and exposure time. Singh et al (2011) also evaluated the mortality of pulse beetle at adult stage as a function of exposure time and percent power level. They found lower germination percentage of seed with increase in power level.…”

Chemical‐Free Pest Control by Means of Dielectric Heating with Radio Waves: Selective Heating

“…Since then, many studies have been carried out on the disinfection of a large number of materials that can be attacked by pests. The disinfection of stored grain , insect management in fruits , as well as in textiles , , and pest control in timber (as reported in the first part of this study) are described in the literature. A detailed overview of these studies and the main results are given in the Supporting Information.…”