MICROWAVE GRAIN DISINFECTION PROMISING TECHNOLOGY FOR CROP PRESERVATION

Аннотация

This paper examines the application of ultra-high frequency (microwave) radiation as an alternative method for disinfecting cereal crops infested with pests and microorganisms. The limitations of traditional disinfection methods are analyzed, along with the physical principles of microwave treatment, its effects on harmful organisms, and the necessary equipment. Advantages, disadvantages, and prospects for integrating this technology into the agro-industrial complex are discussed. Keywords:grain disinfection, microwave, pests, microorganisms, storage, agriculture. Introduction. Cereal crops – wheat, rice, maize (corn), barley, and oats – form the bedrock of the global food system, serving as the primary and often irreplaceable source of sustenance for asignificant portion ofthe world's population. These grains aren't merely staples; they represent acomplex web ofnutritional provision, offering essential carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals critical for human health and development. Beyond direct human consumption, grains are indispensable to modern livestock production, serving as the foundational ingredient in animal feed formulations for cattle, poultry, swine, and aquaculture species. This critical role underscores the dependence of meat, dairy, and egg production on the availability and affordability of high-quality grain. As such, securing stable, reliable, and nutritionally dense supplies of grain is paramount for maintaining global food security, ensuring societal well- being, and underpinning economic stabilityacross diverse nations. However, the journey from harvest to consumption is fraught with challenges. Grains are inherently susceptible to a diverse array of post-harvest biological threats that can severely compromise both their quantity and quality. These threats encompass a spectrum of damaging agents, including destructive insect pests, invasive mites, and ubiquitous microorganisms, each capable ofinflicting significant losses. Materials andMethods.Traditional Disinfection Method.Conventional approaches include: Fumigation: Use of chemical agents such as phosphine or methyl bromide. Effective but potentiallytoxicand environmentally harmful, with risk of pest resistance. Cooling: Reduction of grain temperature to inhibit pest and microorganism activity; energy- intensiveand less effective underhigh humidity. Aeration:Ventilation to remove moisture and heat; helps prevent moldbut is ineffective against many pests. Modified atmosphere: Increasing CO₂ or nitrogen concentrations to suffocate pests; requires specialized storage systems. Each method has operational or environmental drawbacks, necessitating the exploration of alternativesolutions. Microwave Disinfection Principle. Microwave treatment involves exposing grain to an electromagnetic field in the ultra-high frequency range, which penetrates deeply into the grain mass. Selective heating of water molecules within the grain and in pest/microorganism tissues causes rapid temperaturerise. This results in: -Denaturation ofproteins -Disruption ofcell membranes and organelles -Inhibition of metabolicprocesses 132 INTERNATIONAL MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SJIF2019:5.2222020:5.5522021:5.6372022:5.4792023:6.5632024:7,805 eISSN:2394-6334 https://www.ijmrd.in/index.php/imjrd Volume12,issue08(2025) These effects lead to pest mortality and microbial inactivation without significant changes in grain compositionwhen parameters are optimized.