EFFECT OF INSECTICIDAL ATMOSPHERES ON THE MORTALITY OF FRUIT FLIES IN MANGO

Mango fruit (var.
Haden) was infested with fruit fly eggs (Anasthepha serpentina) and stored under modified atmospheres (MA) for 1 to 5 days at 25C. Initial MA compositions were 0.25, 0.5 and 2.0% O₂ with 50 or 70% CO₂. The MA was applied to samples in 4 L glass jars.
Initially, a 250 mL/min flow of MA gas mixture was applied for an hour.
Then jars were sealed.
After storage in the MA, fruits were kept in air for 10 days before larvae harvesting and mortality evaluation.
An experimental 100% egg mortality was achieved in 3 days in Haden mango under MA formulated at 0.25% O₂ – 0.5% O₂ with 50% CO₂. Also, experimental 100% mortality was achieved in 4 days with all MA treatments.
However, predictive models indicated that a Probit 9 mortality level could be reached with an initial 0.25% O₂ – 70% CO₂ MA for 4 days, as a possible quarantine control for fruit fly eggs in Haden mango at 25° C.

International Symposium on Tropical Fruits

R. Rojas Villegas, R. Avena Bustillos, M. Silveira, A. Carrillo López, E.M. Yahia

Modified atmospheres, Anastrepha serpentina, quarantine treatment

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1995.370.13