Abstract :

The Present Study Investigates The Effect Of Ultraviolet (UV-C) Irradiated Food Substrates On The Survival Of Tribolium Confusum, A Major Stored Grain Pest. Wheat, Barley, And Sorghum Grains Were Subjected To UV-C Radiation (254 Nm) At Different Exposure Durations (5, 10, And 15 Minutes), And Their Impact On Stage-wise Survival Of The Insect (egg To Larva, Pupa, And Adult) Was Evaluated Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions. The Results Revealed That UV Irradiation Of Grains Significantly Reduced The Survival Of T. Confusum In A Dose-dependent Manner. Under Control Conditions, High Survival Rates Were Observed Across All Developmental Stages; However, Survival Progressively Declined With Increasing UV Exposure Time. The Reduction Was Moderate At 5 Minutes, More Pronounced At 10 Minutes, And Substantial At 15 Minutes Of Exposure. A Consistent Decrease In Survival From Egg To Adult Stage Indicated Cumulative Adverse Effects Of UV-treated Food On Insect Development. Among The Tested Grains, Wheat Supported Comparatively Higher Survival, Followed By Barley And Sorghum. The Observed Effects Are Attributed To Indirect Mechanisms, Including Alterations In Nutritional Quality And Possible Formation Of Photochemical Products In Irradiated Grains. The Findings Suggest That UV-C Treatment Of Stored Grains Can Serve As A Potential Eco-friendly And Residue-free Method For Managing T. Confusum, Although Its Effects Are Less Severe Than Direct UV Exposure. This Approach May Contribute To Sustainable Pest Control Strategies In Stored Grain Systems.

Published:

12-4-1-2026

Issue:

Vol. 26 No. 4-1 (2026)

Page Nos:

376-382

Section:

Articles

License:

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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