Container Fumigation as a Quarantine Treatment for <I>Anoplophora glabripennis</I> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Regulated Wood Packing Material

Abstract

Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, an Asian cerambicid beetle, was first found in the United States in 1996 and was likely introduced into the United States through infested wood packing materials and dunnage. Methyl bromide (MeBr) fumigation is an internationally accepted treatment for such wood-boring beetles, but the use of MeBr is scheduled for reduction or elimination as alternatives become available. The use of MeBr can be reduced by more efficient and technically sound fumigation techniques, including good circulation and proper loading. Concentration x time products (CxT) reported for A. glabripennis in solid wood timbers were used to test estimated doses in container fumigations conducted in Tianjin and Shanghai, China, during years 2002-2003. We found that CxT products observed were generally adequate and would support reduced doses of MeBr at temperatures intermediate (10.0 and 15.6 degrees C) to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service schedule of 80 g and 48 g/m3 at > or =4.4 and > or = 21.1degrees C, respectively. The use of fans is recommended, and loading of the containers should never reach 100% to allow for better circulation and desorption. Proper use of fans will allow for better aeration and increase safety to inspectors and consignees of containerized fumigated commodities.