Using microwave energy to control of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effectiveness of microwave energy, which is an alternative to chemical control on different biological stages of store pests, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Experiments were carried out with home and industrial type of microwave oven under laboratory conditions. It was used that in the home type of microwave, 200, 400, 600W doses and 10, 15, 20 and 25sec application times. It was used that in the home type of microwave, 800, 3200, 5600W doses and 0.03, 0.05, 1m/sec application speed. Application doses of microwave on different biological stages of P. interpunctella were recorded as eggs 200W 20sec; 400W 25sec for the first and fifth larval stage; 400W 20sec for pupa and adult stage that it was recorded that 100% mortality determined in microwave application. Microwave application dose affecting different biological stages of pest was found to be 400W 25sec. Application doses of microwave on different biological stages of E. kuehniella were recorded 200W 15sec for eggs and adult stage; 400W 10sec for the first larval stage; 400W 20sec for fifth larval stage and pupa stage that it was recorded that 100% mortality determined in microwave application. Microwave application affecting different biological stages of pest was found to be 400W 15sec. 600W dose in all application times of microwave was caused %100 mortality on all experimental biological stages of pests. In raisins and dried apricots, it was observed the mortality increased with increasing time at 200W dose applied to different biological stages of pests. It was founded the effect of the 200W dose is less effective than the 400W dose. In the application of the industrial microwave was founded ineffective results. It was thought that the design of the microwave is not suitable for storage pests.