In-line approaches to control surface pests of concern from export citrus (CT13010)
What was it all about?
Fuller’s rose weevil (FRW) egg detections continue to limit access for Australian citrus exports to several Asian markets and remain a key concern for growers and industry generally.
This project investigated and evaluated control and management tactics for FRW with the aim of expanding the sector’s export opportunities.
High pressure washing has the potential to decrease infestation rates in fruit by removing egg masses but, while Australian pack houses use standard washing systems, their performance varies substantially. Two options in use overseas are new generation high pressure washing machines used in New Zealand and dips for fruit used in the USA.
This project had three main objectives including to…
- Assess various high pressure washing systems in use and identify the best system for FRW egg removal from oranges
- Determine whether selected pre-washing dips can enhance FRW egg removal rates
- Determine the potential effects of dip compounds on the performance of sanitisers and post-harvest decay.
The project’s research yielded several recommendations, including that citrus pack houses use the procedures set out in the Best-practice user manual for citrus high pressure washers to improve pest removal.
New pack house washing systems should be rotating systems for best removal of FRW eggs and other post-harvest pests.
ACT NOW
Download the 2015 edition of the Best-practice user manual for citrus high pressure washers.
ISBN:
978-0-7341-3769-2
Funding statement:
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation
Copyright:
Copyright © Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited 2016. The Final Research Report (in part or as whole) cannot be reproduced, published, communicated or adapted without the prior written consent of Hort Innovation (except as may be permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)).