Effect of gamma irradiation on microbiological and pest load of natural hazelnut kernels

The killing effects of gamma irradiation were demonstrated on the microbiological (total mesophilic aerobe bacteria and mold and yeast) and pest (Plodia interpunctella) load during storage period (18 and 3 months, respectively). Failure of all these events increased with increasing doses from 0.5 to 1.5 kGy. However, P. interpunctella load was not completely inhibited by 0.5 and higher doses. Microbiological load reduced with irradiation doses. This suggest that although some P. interpunctella died when irradiated at 0.5 kGy and higher doses, gamma rays were not able to completely inhibit P. interpunctella. On the other hand, the highest irradiation dose (1.5 kGy), in the present study, was more advantageous for reducing microbiological load.