Methyl Bromide Control of Codling Moth on Nectarines Packed in Export Shipping Containers, 1989

Abstract

Abstract Nectarines exported to Japan are currently fumigated unpacked in field bins with a methyl bromide quarantine treatment of 48 g/m3 for 2 h at 21°C or above and 50% load to disinfest the fruit of potential codling moth infestations. Large-scale tests were used to determine efficacy of the quarantine treatment to control 1- d-old codling moth eggs, the least susceptible stage to methyl bromide, on nectarines in shipping containers. Nectarines that had been washed, sorted and packed in thermal-form-molded 32-cup styrene trays (35 by 41.5 cm) were obtained from a packinghouse. The fruit (n = 524) were infested with codling moth eggs in 5 infestation cages containing 800 to 1,000 adults/cage. Eggs collected on waxed paper sheets in each cage and unfumigated eggs on nectarines were used for controls. Infested and uninfested fruit were randomized in trays. A tray was placed into each of 9 Bliss-style, single wall, corrugated fiberboard shipping containers (37 by 41.5 by 11 cm). A macerated paper-filled pad (35 by 41.5 cm) was placed on the bottom and top of the tray. A paper instruction sheet and self-adhesive labels were placed in the container simulating commercial shipping materials. The container was sealed with hot melt adhesive and transparent box sealing tape. Containers with infested fruit were placed in nine positions in a 3.12 m3 fumigation chamber. The remainder of the chamber was filled to make a 50% load with containers packed with uninfested fruit. Fumigations using the quarantine treatment schedule were replicated 3 times. After aeration for 3.5 h, fumigated eggs were placed in an isolated area at about 23°C. Fumigated and control egg survival was determined weekly for 3 wk and 2 wk after treatment, respectively.