Review and Assessment of Radio-frequency and Microwave Energy for Stored-grain Insect Control

Abstract

Fundamental principles of radio-frequency (RF) and microwave dielectric heating are presented, with a basic consideration of differential or selective absorption of energy from RF and microwave fields that might be applicable for stored-grain insect control. Experimental findings of the past 50 years are reviewed, with respect to entomological and physical factors affecting the response of insects exposed to RF and microwave electromagnetic fields in grain and grain products. Practical aspects of RF and microwave energy application for stored-grain insect control are considered, and it is concluded that such use is highly unlikely without some new discovery of a nonthermal lethal mechanism that might be exploited for this purpose.