Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Lethal Effects of Microwave Exposures on Eggs and Pupae of the Cabbage Maggot and Cabbage Plants [PDF]
AUTHORS	D. Biron, C. Vincent, M Giroux and A. Matra 1996 31 4 228-237
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Abstract To control the cabbage maggot (Delia radicum) [Diptera: Anthomyiidae], treatments in an industrial microwave oven (f = 2450 MHz; P = 0 to 6 kW) were carried out in the laboratory to test two developmental stages of the insect. First, treatments were directed at Delia radicum eggs after the transplanting of cabbage plants. Treatments with 10s at 2100 W, 20s at 1600 W, 20s at 2100 W, 25s at 1100 W, 25s at1600 W and 25s at 2100 W inhibited egg hatching. However, exposures caused lethal effects in cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea var. Stonehead). Second, treatments were directed at the maggot pupae after harvest. Treatments with 10s at 3000 W and 10s at 4000 W were more promising, inhibiting the emergence of adults while having no impact on the cabbage plant. Post-harvest treatment would be preferable to spring treatment. High energy levels required to penetrate the soil at a depth of 10 cm to attain all pupae preclude commercial development at the present time. Key Words: Cabbage maggot, Delia radicum, Microwave, Physical control.