Fuente: PubMed "essential oil" Appl Radiat Isot. 2026 May 27;235:112725. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2026.112725. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTEffective management of stored-grain insect pests is essential to minimize post-harvest losses. 60Cobalt γ-radiation provides residue-free, hygienic disinfestation and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fumigants without compromising grain quality. This study evaluated the efficacy of 60Co γ-radiation applied alone and combined with Citrus aurantium essential oil (CAEO) and its nanoemulsions (CANEs) against S. oryzae and T. castaneum. Insects were exposed to γ-radiation doses from 0.10 to 2.00 kGy at 0.10 kGy intervals (dose rate: 3.98 kGy/h) to evaluate mortality and radiation-induced biochemical alterations in AChE activity, and antioxidant system responses. In addition, sublethal irradiation doses were integrated with reduced fumigation concentrations of CAEO/CANEs to assess the synergism and relative radiation sensitivity. S. oryzae exhibited greater radiosensitivity than T. castaneum in single-treatment assays. The γ-irradiation markedly inhibited GSH, CAT, POD and AChE activities, alongside elevated GSSG contents, showing oxidative stress coupled with neurotoxicity. Absence of significant impairment of seed germination indicated the suitability of applied radiation doses. Combined γ-radiation with CAEO and CANEs significantly increased mortality in both species, demonstrating synergistic interactions and enhanced radiosensitization while reducing the effective radiation dose by approximately threefold. Synergism indices for S. oryzae and T. castaneum were ∼0.4 and ∼0.5, respectively, indicating enhanced toxicity in binary treatments. CANEs increased relative radiation sensitivity by 2.75-fold in S. oryzae and 2.40-fold in T. castaneum compared to irradiation alone. Integrating sublethal γ-radiation with sublethal CAEO concentrations, particularly as nanoemulsions acting as efficacious radiosensitizers and synergists, offers an eco-friendly approach, reducing reliance on high-dose irradiation and chemical fumigants while preserving grain quality.PMID:42217440 | DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2026.112725