Development of novel green pesticide system by using cold plasma to control Plodia interpunctella in pistachio

Iran is the most important exporter of pistachios in the world. One of pistachio export challenges is the damage of pistachio by warehouse pests. Many efforts have been made to discover alternative methods of nontoxic pest control. To study the effect of the cold plasma jet on Plodia interpunctella of pistachio nut, three treatment variables were used by argon/air ratio, the plasma exposure time, and the power supply voltage. The results showed that increasing the power supply voltage has the greatest effect on the increased mortality of P. interpunctella compared to other variables. Also, the effect of the equal combination of air and argon gases was much higher than the effect of each alone. According to the optimal points obtained in mortality of P. interpunctella, plasma exposure time of 14.04 min, the voltage of 19.99 kV, and argon/air ratio of 51.65 cause the greatest increased mortality of P. interpunctella. Novelty impact statement: Cold plasma can remove and control Plodia interpunctella. This method can be used as an alternative method to replace Conventional methods of pest control. Plasma exposure time of 14.04 min, the voltage of 19.99 kV, and argon/air ratio of 51.65 cause the greatest increased mortality of Plodia interpunctella. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.