Within-Package Ethylene Dibromide Fumigation of Mangoes and Grapefruit in Fiberboard Cartons to Destroy Mexican Fruit Fly Infestations

Abstract

Fresh mangoes and grapefruit infested with eggs and larvae of the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), were fumigated in fiberboard cartons by adding ethylene dibromide (EDB) to the cartons before sealing. Dosage-mortality lines were obtained for infested fruits in a standard 7/10-bushel telescopic cirtrus carton, with and without inside walls waxed, and a flap-top carton. Mortalities were high regardless of type of carton. Dosages of 16 to 24 oz./1,000 cu. ft. killed nearly all living forms in heavily infested grapefruit or mangoes at room temperature (74° F.). Mortality increased as the period during which the cartons were sealed increased up to about 24 hours. At dosages of 24 or 32 oz./1,000 cu. ft., temperatures of 50°,74° (room), and 90° F. did not appear to affect mortality in heavily infested grapefruit. EDB residues in grapefruit, always less than 10 p.p.m. of inorganic bromide, were greatest after treatment at 50°F. and least at 90° F. Grapefruit was not injured when allowed to remain in closed citrus cartons for 2 weeks after fumigations.