The use of microwaves to combat the Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab) (Bruchidae: Coleoptera), the effect on its life

Abstract<br /> <br /> Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab) is considered one of the important agricultural pests that infests legumes in general and especially cowpea and chickpea resulting devastating damages to these yields. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of microwave radiation with energy levels of 260, 520 and 780 Watt, within periods of exposure of<br /> 30, 60 and 90 seconds on hatching, mortality percentages and the life-span of this pest.<br /> <br /> The percentage of mortality among the adults of Callosobruchus maculatus that have hatched from radiation exposed eggs was 96.6, 96.6,90.0, 100.0, and 100.0 % for legume yield seeds, i.e. cowpea, chick-pea, green pea, lentil and broad beans, respectively at the high levels of radiation energy 780 Watt for 90 seconds compared with a control trail of 6.6, 50.0, 33.3, 76.6, and 86.6 %, respectively.