Evaluation of Cold Atmospheric‐Pressure Plasma Effects on DNA Endoreplication in <i>Callosobruchus maculatus</i>: A Rapid Flow Cytometry‐Based Study

ABSTRACT This study investigates the chromosomal changes in Callosobruchus maculatus utilizing flow cytometry analysis following treatment with high‐voltage modified air‐based cold atmospheric‐pressure plasma (CAP) generated in a contained dielectric barrier discharge reactor. C. maculatus , a significant bio‐contaminant in cowpea legumes with potential infestation in other legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, was the focus of this study. CAP treatment has garnered attention as a potential control method for stored product pests, demonstrating high mortalities in various insect species. However, the underlying mechanism of action remains elusive. Our investigation, using a flow cytometry‐based approach, reveals the absence of increased DNA ploidy in CAP‐treated C. maculatus . This finding contributes to the ongoing exploration of the efficacy and mechanisms underlying cold plasma treatment in pest management strategies.