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Lethal and Sterilizing Effects of Gamma Radiation on Insects Infesting Cereal Commodities

Abstract

INSECTS infesting stored foodstuffs have been treated with γ-radiation from cobalt-60 sources1,2 and with accelerated electrons from a Van de Graaff generator2–4. Results have shown that cathode-, γ- and X-rays are comparable in their efficiency in destroying insects2,5. The design, operation and cost of constructing irradiation facilities for research purposes6 and for the treatment of bulk foodstuffs on a commercial scale7,8 have been detailed.

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References

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CORNWELL, P., CROOK, L. & BULL, J. Lethal and Sterilizing Effects of Gamma Radiation on Insects Infesting Cereal Commodities. Nature 179, 670–672 (1957). https://doi.org/10.1038/179670b0

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