Thermal-death kinetics of fifth-instar Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors:
Wang, S. Tang, J. Johnson, J.A. Hansen, J.D. USDA, ARS
Source:
Journal of stored products research. 2002. v. 38 (5), P. 427-440.
NALT Subjects:
Amyelois transitella larvae heat treatment temperature duration mortality death kinetics energy mathematical models stored products insect control activation energy
Issue Date:
2002
Abstract:
Information on kinetics for thermal mortality of navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is needed for developing post-harvest phytosanitation thermal treatments of walnuts. Thermal-death kinetics for fifth-instar navel orangeworms were determined at temperatures between 46 degrees C and 54 degrees C at a heating rate of 18 degrees C min-1 using a heating block system. Thermal-death curves for fifth-instar navel orangeworms followed a 0.5th-order of kinetic reaction. The time required to achieve 100% mortality (N0 = 600) decreased with increasing temperature in a logarithmic manner. Complete kill of 600 insects required a minimum exposure time of 140, 50, 15, 6, and 1 min at 46 degrees C, 48 degrees C, 50 degrees C, 52 degrees C, and 54 degrees C, respectively. The reaction rate (k) was affected by treatment temperatures following an Arrhenius relationship. The activation energy for thermal kill of fifth-instar navel orangeworms was estimated to be between 510 and 520 kJ mol-1.
