Insect Control by Radio-Frequency High-Strength Electric Fields

Insect control with radio-frequency electric fields of high strength is reported here. The experiments were accomplished at frequencies 47.5, 900 and 2,450 MHz for both the pulse modulated and the continuous wave RF radiation. The coaxial type chamber experiments on Sitophilus granarius L. (granary weevil) at voltages U = 5.5-10.5 kV, frequency 47.5 MHz, electric fields 180-350 kV/m and exposures 5-60 s give 40-90% of mortality that mainly depends on voltage increase. The irradiation chamber with plane capacitor experiments are pulse modulated at the frequency 47.5 MHz and fields 350-2,000 kV/m. 100% of mortality is reached at the exposures 1-30 s and field 2,000 kV/m. The RF radiation of granary weevil in the coaxial irradiation chamber in stationary mode reaches 100% mortality at major exposure times and frequencies 900 and 2,450 MHz. Stationary mode permits 21-97% fungi control at voltage U = 10.5 kV, frequencies 900 and 2,450 MHz and exposures 120-180 s.