Laboratory studies around the effects of Microwave radiation on grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Oliver) (Lipedoptera: Gelechiidae)

Abstract

Abstract Laboratory studies was conducted at the college of Agriculture Al-Muthana University in 2015 – 2016 to evaluate the effects of the exposure of different stages (eggs….adults) of the Angoumois moth Sitotroga cerealella Oliver to microwave radiation at the powers of of 200 , 400 and 600 watts for 3 different exposure times of 30 , 60 and 90 second respectively . Results showed a significant differences and the superiority of 600 w for 90 s on other treatment . Complete mortalities (100%) of eggs , 1st instar larvae , 4th instar larvae , pupaeand adults were a chived at the powers of 90 w and longest exposure time (90 s) for moth stage respectively . An increased in larval and pupal periods and abnormal development of adults were observed due to exposure to the microwave radiation . The effect of microwave radiation on wheat seeds germination were 93.3 , 81.7 and 65.0% at the power of 200 , 400 and 600 w respectively .