Microwave heating: a promising and eco-compatible solution to fight the spread of red palm weevil

• DOI: 10.22268/ajpp-037.2.143148
• Publication Date: 2019-07-05T07:14:53Z
• Authors: R. Massa; G. Panariello; ; M.D. Migliore; ; D. Pinchera; ; F. Schettino; ; R. Griffo; ; M. Martano; ; K. Power; ; K. Power; ; P. Maiolino; ; E. Caprio
• Keywords: Phoenix dactylifera; Microwave heating; Ornamental plant; Arecaceae

The red palm weevil is one of the major pests palms.Until now no effective and economic method has been adopted for total eradication this pest some concerns are raised chemical methods, mainly in ornamental plants located urban areas.Among proposed techniques, a very promising eco-compatible solution microwave heating, which could be integrated IPM approach.Advantages disinfestation include speed, efficiency absence toxic, hazardous or polluting residues.Moreover, insects not likely to develop resistance radiation as they often do insecticides.This work aims resume our results on feasibility applications infested Phoenix canariensis palms.Temperatures that can lethal applied external layers affect internal tissues.Moreover, microwaves influence ability reproduction survived weevils.Once physical/thermal parameters tissues were determined, protocol duration time schedule (on-off cycles) was developed better control temperature profile inside palm.In way, dose using ring applicator.