Session: 12-10-01: Heat Transfer in Natural and Build Environments

Paper Number: 193633

Microwave-Based Deactivation of Red Palm Weevil Larvae Using a Guided Microwave Probe (GMP) System 

The Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, commonly referred to as the Red Palm Weevil, is well recognized as a pest that is especially devastating to palm trees all over the world. A number of palm species, such as date palms, coconut trees, and oil palms, have been reported to suffer significant damage as a result of this bug. The larvae of this weevil often find their way into the trunk of the palm tree, where they feed on the tree's interior tissues. As a result, the trunk's structural integrity is compromised.
As a result of a number of restrictions and disadvantages, the different techniques of control, such as chemical pesticides and biological control approaches, have been shown to be less successful in dealing with this problem. It is thus of the utmost significance to devise a method that is both efficient and kind to the environment in order to address this serious problem. A novel, non-invasive, and environmentally friendly method for removing Red Palm Weevil larvae from palm trees is provided in this paper. Microwave technology has the potential to be used as a new method. The term "dielectric heating" refers to the process of increasing the temperature of dielectric materials. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves that carry out this operation. Due to the fact that they contain more water than the tree fibers, larvae are more susceptible to being injured by microwave heating. Because of this, the larvae have a greater water content, which renders them more vulnerable to injury when they are exposed to microwave electromagnetic radiation. It is possible to eradicate the larvae without causing any damage to the tree if the management is done correctly.

For the purpose of determining whether or not the use of microwave therapy is successful in preventing the infestation of red palm weevils, experimental approaches were examined. Microwave power levels, exposure duration, depth of penetration, and the thermal effects of microwaves on tree trunks and weevils were some of the primary focus of the research. A number of other variables were also taken into consideration.  Upon exposure to a certain dose of microwave treatment, the findings demonstrated that microwave therapy is capable of reducing weevil larvae, while causing minimum harm to the tree trunk. Therefore, the efficiency of the strategy, which may be employed in place of chemical control measures, is shown by the significant decrease in weevil activity that has been observed.

According to the findings, microwave technology has the potential to be used for the purpose of managing pests that are prevalent in palm trees in a manner that is both safe and non-scary. Microwave technology offers a targeted solution to the problem of pest management in palm trees, in contrast to the use of other chemicals, which are hazardous to human life as well as other living forms.

Keywords: Microwave heating, Red Palm Weevil, dielectric heating, pest control, preservation of palm trees.

Presenting Author: Abdullah Alhamdan prince Mohammed bin Fahad University

Presenting Author Biography: Abdullah Alhamdan is a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering (Thermo-Fluid Sciences) at Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia. His research focuses on microwave-based technologies for Red Palm Weevil control, heat transfer systems, and innovative engineering solutions for sustainable pest management. He currently holds several U.S. patents related to pressure relief valve stability and advanced mechanical system design.

Authors:

Abdullah Alhamdan prince Mohammed bin Fahad University
Kwan San Hui prince Mohammed bin Fahad University
Esam Jassim Prince Mohammed bin Fahad University
Faramarz Djavanroodi Prince Mohammed bin Fahad University