High voltage pulsed electric field: A novel method for killing parasitic eggs on the surface of raisins

Abstract

Aiming to address the issue of stored grain pests easily breeding during the process of dried fruits in Xinjiang, this study proposes a method and a device for killing raisin parasitic eggs based on a high-voltage pulsed electric field. A one-way test and a Box-Behnken central combination test were conducted to investigate the effects of high-voltage pulsed electric field strength and frequency on the unhatched rate and larval survival rate of Plodia interpunctella eggs on raisin surfaces. The experimental results were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using biooptical microscope observation and incubation at constant temperature and humidity post-treatment. The findings revealed that with an output voltage of 22.8 kV, the delivery speed of 0.024 m/s, and the electric field frequency of 3.8 Hz, the unhatched rate of the eggs was 68.14 % while the survival rate of the larvae was 20.36 %. These results can provide new insights for both theoretical development and system implementation regarding the use of high voltage pulsed electric fields for eliminating raisin surface eggs, as well as providing valuable academic references for field crop diseases and pests control strategies.

Keywords: Agro-food processing; Eggs of Plodia interpunctella; High-voltage pulsed electric field; Kill eggs of worms; Transmembrane potential.