Disinfestation of fresh fruits from Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) with combination mild heat and modified atmosphere packaging

Preliminary studies were conducted on evaluating the effects of combining modified atmospheres created in sealed, 38 mu m, low-density, polyethylene bags with storage at 38 degrees C on the survival of eggs and larvae of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, infesting mandarins, cherries, tomatoes and apples. Heat alone reduced insect survival but, when combined with sealing in polyethylene bags, no insect survived treatment for more than 3 days. Results show that future research on this inexpensive, non-chemical disinfestation treatment is warranted.