RESPOSTAS BIOLÓGICAS DE Anagasta kuehniella E DE SEU PARASITÓIDE, Bracon hebetor, À RADIAÇÃO POR MICROONDAS (2450 MHz)

The Mediterranean flour moth, Anagasta kuehniella, is known as one of the most important pests of stored products. Due to the harmful effects of the chemical control methods, some radio-frequencies, such as microwaves, are being evaluated, aiming to establish IPM programs for the control of this pyralid species. The present study was undertaken to determine the comparative effect of microwaves (2450 MHz) on A. kuehniella eggs, larvae (third and last instars) and adults. Also, the tolerance of the parasitoid wasp, Bracon hebetor, was evaluated. Individuals of each stage were exposed to the radiation (2450 MHz) and after 24 hours of exposition, the mortality level obtained in each treatment was determined. Concerning A. kuehniella, the last instar larvae showed to be the most sensitive to radiation, followed by the third instar larvae and adults. Chronic effects of radiation resulted into reduced longevity and lower reproductive capacity among the treated adults. B. hebetor adults, on the other hand, did not suffer any alteration on its parasitism capacity, Pyralid eggs, as well as the braconid wasp, showed to be highly resistant to microwaves. Therefore, radiation by microwaves can be considered as a promising method to be used in IPM programs of A. kuehniella, targeting mainly the larval stage.