Mechanism research on early detection of insect pests inside the wheat using micro-computed tomography

The use of Micro-CT imaging technology for accurately identifying the developmental stages of pests, such as eggs and pupae, hidden in grains is of great importance for the early prevention and treatment of stored-grain insects. In this study, we analysed the density, content of main components, and grey value of Micro-CT images of grains infected by Sitophilus oryzae at five stages, including the egg and pupal stages. The results showed that a strong linear correlation between the density and main component content, as well as between the grey value of Micro-CT images and density, with a linear correlation coefficient of R = 0.988. These correlations demonstrated how variations in main component content due to pest infection led to changes in both density and grey value of Micro-CT images. By quantifying changes in grey value, Micro-CT images provided an intuitive and clear representation of the developmental stages of wheat grain and S. oryzae, offering a theoretical foundation for early detection of pest infestations in wheat using Micro-CT imaging.