Use of RI in disinfestation of agricultural products

Results of the studies on use of radiation in disinfestation of agricultural products, which were made in various countries of the world, were put in order as follows: (1) As problems in disinfestation treatment of stored cereals by radiation, radiosensitivity of harmful insects in stored cereals, disinfestating effect of radiation on bulk grain (wheat, etc.), loss of stored cereals by irradiated harmful insects, and radioresistance of irradiated harmful insects were arranged, (2) as radiation treatment of fresh fruits (papaya and mango, etc.), disinfestating effect on harmful insects in fruits and effect delaying ripeness of fruit were described, (3) radiation treatment was compared with smoking treatment, and remaining toxicity, advantage in treatment time, and problems in economy were also described. (Serizawa, K.)