Methyl Bromide Effects on Fruit Quality, 1990

Abstract

Abstract Nectarines exported to Japan are currently fumigated with a methyl bromide quarantine treatment of 48 g/m3 for 2 h at 21°C or above at normal air pressure and 50% load to disinfest the fruit of potential codling moth infestations. Small scale tests were used to determine the phytotoxicity of washed and graded nectarines when load factors were 10%, 25%, and 50%. Three replications of three varieties were made in 1989 and 1990. In 1990, both small and large size fruit, and fruit harvested on different dates, were fumigated using the quarantine treatment schedule. Three replications of three varieties were made during 1990. This fruit was not washed or graded but taken directly from the tree to the fumigation chamber. Fruit was stored after treatment for one wk at 0°C before it was evaluated for total soluble solids, firmness, phytotoxicity, and other defects. Organic bromide residue determinations were made after 2 h aeration following fumigation and again after 1 wk storage.