Determination of the effect of microwave energy on maize kernel quality

Abstract

One of the major problems that affect maize quality is insect infestation of stored products. Currently, this problem is controlled by the use of chemical pesticides. Methyl bromide, the pesticide with the widest application, is being phased out by 2015 as it is perceived as being ozone depleting. This has led to an interest in the possible use of microwave energy as a non- chemical insect- control measure. Maize kernels infested with five insect species were microwave- treated. Of the 51 treatments investigated, only three were effective in eradicating the insects at all stages of their life cycle. Changes to the physical properties of the maize kernel were minimal, although there were some effects on kernel translucency and hardness, which were attributed to changes in the moisture content of kernels after processing