MICROWAVE APPLICATION FOR THE CONTROL OF DRIED FIG MOTH

Microwave energy was applied to sun dried figs as an alternative method for fumigation to control the dried fig moth (Ephestia cautella). The influence of the microwave heating period on the lethality of eggs and larvae, and on physical, microbiological and sensory properties of the figs was investigated.
It was found that heating for 90 seconds in a microwave oven is sufficient to kill most forms of the insect while improving textural, sensory and microbiological properties.
Dielectrical coefficients and loss factors were found and microwave energy penetration depths were also calculated.

I International Symposium on Fig

T. Baysal, A. Ural, M. Çakir, C.N. Özen

Dried figs, microwave, Ephestia cautella, insect control

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1998.480.37