The Differential Between the Effect of Radio Waves on Insects and on Plants

Electric energy propagated in an electro-static field at the rate of from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000 cycles per second with a field strength of 4,000 volts per inch can be used to destroy certain insects enclosed in the electro-static field without damage to their host plants. When, however, the electric energy is propagated at the rate of from 12,000,000 to 15,000,000 cycles per second with a field strength of 4,000 volts per inch both the insects and the plants are promptly destroyed. Thus there appears a differential in the effect of electro-magnetic waves on insects and their host plants and that frequency in their rate of propagation is apparently the primary selective factor.