Florida Entomologist (2006) 89, 416-418

R.W. Mankin (2006)
Increase in acoustic detectability of Plodia interpunctella larvae after low-energy microwave radar exposure
Florida Entomologist 89 (3), 416-418
Abstract: P. interpunctella larvae are difficult to detect by currently available nondestructive techniques. In this report, a Termatrac device was evaluated for utility in larval detection, and low-power microwave radiation was evaluated as a means of increasing larval activity and acoustic detectability. High levels of radiation are known to produce lethal thermal heating. The low-power radiation in this study produced a small, but statistically significant increase in the rate of sounds by larvae that initially were inactive. The results suggest that higher power radar or a longer duration of exposure might have potential as a treatment to increase the acoustic detectability of hidden infestations of P. interpunctella larvae and other stored product pests.
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Database assignments for author(s): Richard W. Mankin

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Plodia interpunctella