Evaluation of cold treatment against Mediterranean fruit fly in ‘Tarocco’ orange
Lanza G., Barbagallo S., Calandra M.R., Calvitti M., D’Anna R., Pedrotti C. and Proto M.E.
5th International Postharvest Symposium . Volume of Abstract . Verona, Italy 6-11 June 2004. 143 p.
2004
บทคัดย่อ
Evaluation of cold treatment against Mediterranean fruit fly in ‘Tarocco’ orange
Citrus intended for export to some overseas markets requires post-harvest treatment to suppress the presence of insect pests that are of quarantine significance. Several importing countries allow fresh citrus form competing regions if it has undergone cold treatment, which, involves storage of fruits at low temperature for specified periods to ensure their freedom for insects. This paper addresses the effectiveness of cold treatment against Medfly (
Creatitis capitata Wiedemann) infestation in ‘Tarocco’ oragnes. In a large scale disinfestations test a static trial with simulation of transport was simultaneously carried out using a set of three different full equipped van containers with bottom air delivery system under a 14-days, 1.0-1.5°C cold treatment schedule. The containers were loaded with ‘Tarocco’ oranges. Infested fruits, containing the most tolerant Medfly stage (third instar), were packaged and stuffed inside the container, randomly distributed on three different levels and among boxes containing non-infested fruits. At the end of cold treatment all infested fruits were removed and dissected to determine the number of survivors and dead larvae. After 1 week of shelf-life, at 15°C, fruits were inspected for visible blemishes and decay. Severity of chilling injury (C.I.) was evaluated using a four-grade scoring system (none, light, moderate and severe). Decay incidence was assessed as rots caused by
Penicillium digitatum Sacc.,
P. italicum Wehmer and minor decay. In order to evaluate the effect of cold treatment on the fruit quality, initially (just before loading fruits into the container) and after cold treatment plus 1 week shelf-life, physicochemical and sensory parameters were determined. Experiments provided 100% larval mortality. Very low incidence of fruits with light C.O. was found, whereas the percentage of fruits with moderate symptoms of C.I. was negligible. Results from quality parameters are reported.