ABSTRACT
Radio-frequency (RF) electric eld distribution in relatively large high-moisture products may not be uniform. This represents a major engineering challenge in the development of RF treatments as possible alternatives to postharvest chemical control of insect pests in fresh fruits and vegetables. This chapter summarizes research results reported in the past few decades that dealt with nonuniform RF heating between plate electrodes and in tubular electrodes. The chapter also provides insight into the design considerations of effective RF-based treatment of fresh fruits and vegetables. In the past, the authors identied research gap by way of the commercial adaptation of RF energybased processes in fruits and vegetable processing.
