Use of ionizing, non-ionizing radiation and their combination as an alternative phytosanitary treatment for fresh cucumber and bitter gourd

Abstract

90 Gy and 100 Gy Gamma radiation doses alone and along with 180 watt microwave energy (10 seconds) were applied to know the effects on pupation and adult emergences of Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coq.) from artificially infested cucumber and bitter gourds. The percentage of pupation at 90 Gy, 100 Gy, 90 Gy and 100 Gy followed by microwave energy (180 watts for 10 seconds) and Control were 86.33%, 74.66%, 41.33%, 33.66%, 99.66% respectively from cucumber and 79.66%, 67.33%, 36.66%, 21.33%, 97.66% from bitter gourd respectively. The percentage of adult emergence at 90 Gy, 100 Gy, 90 Gy and 100 Gy followed by microwave energy (180 watts for 10 seconds) and Control were 45.33%, 33.66%, 0.87%, 0%, 98.66% respectively from cucumber and 43.33%, 29.66%, 0.59%, 0%, 95.66% respectively from bitter gourds. Present findings revealed that 100 Gy gamma radiation dose in combination with 180 watt microwave energy (10 seconds) may be applicable instead of 150 Gy as a quarantine treatment for Z. cucurbitae.