Lethal Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields on Tribolium castaneum: Optimization and Mechanistic Insight into Electro-Neurotoxicity
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: To address the issues of resistance and food safety stemming from the overuse of chemical fumigants in stored-grain pest control, this study aimed to systematically optimize the insecticidal process of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on Tribolium castaneum (T. castaneum) and to investigate its electro-neurotoxicity mechanism. Single-factor experiments were used to determine parameter ranges, and response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to analyze the effects of electric field strength, pulse frequency, and treatment time. The finite element method (FEM) was used to simulate the physical field distribution, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured to explore neurotoxicity. The results indicated that electric field strength, pulse frequency, and treatment time all had highly significant effects (p < 0.0001), with electric field strength being the primary factor. The optimal process parameters were determined to be: electric field strength of 26 kV/cm, pulse frequency of 20 kHz, and treatment time of 140 s. Under these conditions, the predicted and actual mortality rates were both 100%, and this efficacy was validated in rice samples. Simulation confirmed that PEF achieves physical targeting through a “tip effect” on the insect’s nerve endings; mechanism tests demonstrated that PEF treatment significantly inhibited AChE activity (p < 0.01). This study confirms the “electro-neurotoxicity” mechanism of PEF, providing theoretical support for this green physical control technology.
Source: Agriculture
Authors: Shuo Jin, Quansheng Zhang, Binyang Tang, Xiangwei Zhu, Longfei Liu, Xiaoxing Zhang
Institution: Hubei University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4417498899