Dielectric properties of cactus pear and Dactylopius opuntiae measurement for electromagnetic applications

Abstract

Understanding the complex permittivity of agricultural pests and their host plants is crucial for developing innovative pest control strategies. This study investigates the dielectric properties of the cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) and its pest, Dactylopius opuntiae, using a coaxial probe method across frequencies from 0.5 to 20 GHz. Our research aims to assess dielectric heating’s viability for eradicating D. opuntiae in cactus pear crops. We have demonstrated that D. opuntiae possesses significantly higher dielectric constants and loss factors within the Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band than its host, highlighting its greater vulnerability to microwave-induced damage. Notably, the distinction in dielectric properties between living and deceased D. opuntiae females suggests the potential of microwave imaging to determine pest vitality. These insights underscore dielectric heating’s potential as a targeted, efficient pest control technique, offering a novel solution to safeguard cactus pear agriculture.