Abstract
A simple method to obtain predetermined constant cooling rates for insect supercooling point (SCP) determination is described. A transient heat transfer equation was used to design polystyrene cubes of different sizes to yield constant rates of cooling at their centers when held at a constant surrounding temperature. Cubes of 0.29 x 0.29 x 0.29 m and 0.19 x 0.19 x 0.19 m were found to produce cooling rates of ca. -0.5 and -1°C min-1, respectively, from 0 to -40°C. The observed temperature variations at the geometrical center of the cubes were similar to those predicted by the equation. Temperature plots showed a nearly constant rate of cooling. Supercooling points of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) at different stages of development were recorded using polystyrene cubes. These SCPs compared favorably with published values. This method of obtaining cooling rates is economical, flexible, and allows for multiple simultaneous SCP measurements.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 155-160 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Cryo-Letters |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - May 2004 |
Keywords
- Cold hardiness
- Cooling rates
- Supercooling point
- Tribolium castaneum