Verification of atmospheric plasma irradiation as an alternative control method for Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Abstract Radio frequency plasma, RF plasma, has been applied to a number of industrial applications. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the RF plasma potential in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) control. Three treatment variables: (1) helium or argon plasmas; (2) two power levels (50 and 100 watt); and (3) different RF plasma exposure times (0, 20, 40, 60 and 90 seconds) were examined in this study. The susceptibility of T. castaneum to treatment varies as gas, power level, and the exposure time varies. A positive correlation was found between insect mortality percent in treating larvae as well as treated pupae and exposure time to RF plasma and also the power level of irradiation. The results revealed that no live insects were found after a 90 second, 100 watt helium RF plasma treatment. The survival percents of the adults were developed from treated larvae and treated pupae were significantly reduced by increasing of the exposure time or power level. Obtained data indicated that the treatment with RF plasma might be considered as an environmentally compatible or alternative supplement to the other control methods for stored product-pests management.