Heat treatment beats chemicals

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Date Issued
2001
Language
en
Type
News Item
Accessibility
Open Access
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Citation
CTA. 2001. Heat treatment beats chemicals. Spore 92. CTA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Permanent link to cite or share this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/46125
External link to download this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/99595
Abstract/Description
In view of the gradual global banning of chemicals used in pest control in packaging fruit, the Cook Islands have trialled and adopted a viable alternative in heat treatment which meets quarantine requirements for their exports of papaya. In a good...
Notes
In view of the gradual global banning of chemicals used in pest control in packaging fruit, the Cook Islands have trialled and adopted a viable alternative in heat treatment which meets quarantine requirements for their exports of papaya. In a good year, the country produces, besides for domestic consumption, 258 tonnes, worth US$ 322,000, for export mainly to New Zealand. Previously ethylene dibromide (EDB) was used to control fruit flies (Bactrocera melanotus and B. xanthodes), the quarantine pests which require control in papaya. Since 1994 however, New Zealand has banned imports of produce treated with this fumigant. The Cook Islands therefore adopted a high-temperature forced-air (HTFA) treatment, comprising basically a treatment of 47.2%C for 20 minutes in sealed chambers. There is one heat treatment facility in the Cook Islands, with a capacity to treat 1,600 tonnes of fruit annually. Heat-treated mangoes have been exported and there are plans to expand exports to other produce, including aubergines (eggplants). If carried out properly, the treatment even enhances the market quality of fruit. It produces an even colour on the fruit, and slows down the rate of internal ripening. This helps to extend fruit shelf-life and the fruit flesh does not develop the bitterness which is characteristic of fruit treated with EDB. The treatment can also be adapted for controlling temperate pests in avocadoes, litchis, bell peppers, nectarines and apricots. [caption to illustration] Too hot for comfort HortResearch Private Bag, 92-169 Auckland, New Zealand Fax: +64 9 815 4207 A full report is available on website: www.uneptie.org/ozonaction.html See also: www.pacifly.org
Subjects
MARKETING; TRADE;
Organizations Affiliated to the Authors
Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
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