Microwave treatments and mortality in Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) andAcanthoscelides obtectus (Say) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Abstract: The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) and the bean weevil (Acanthoscelidesobtectus) can cause serious pulse infestations. Due to the cryptic habits of these Bruchids formost part of their life cycle, monitoring and control are difficult, especially during the ensilageperiod. Here, the control of these pests, with the use of a microwave (MW) apparatus – themetallic reverberating chamber, “Misya” (EMitech Society) – is evaluated. On both species, thetrials were performed on eggs, larvae and adults. Seed lots of biological chickpeas were put intosmall propylene boxes, MW transparent. In each box, a nonwoven sachet containing seeds,infested by different development stages of A. obtectus and C. maculatus was introduced. Everysample was treated in the “Misya” chamber. MW power was applied with different exposuretimes. After the application, the MW treated sachets were put into a climatic cabinet at 25°C, RH50% and 16:8 photoperiod. With regard to the test of preimaginal stages, weekly observationswere performed till adult emergence. Physical and organolectic analyses were carried out onseeds to check even quality modification in all treated samples both infested and non infested.The evidences acquired suggested interesting perspectives concerning the adoption of thistechnique.