Potential for high hydrostatic pressure processing to control quarantine insects in fruit

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Entomology
• Food Science
• Pest Management

Background:

• Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and western cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis indifferens) are significant agricultural pests.
• Effective pest control methods are crucial for maintaining fruit quality and marketability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of high hydrostatic pressure (HPP) in controlling codling moth and western cherry fruit fly.
• To determine the pressure thresholds required for pest mortality.

Main Methods:

• Larvae and eggs of codling moth were exposed to HPP ranging from 14,000 to 26,000 psi.
• Various life stages of western cherry fruit fly were treated with HPP from 10,000 to 45,000 psi.
• Survivorship and mortality rates were assessed post-treatment.

Main Results:

• HPP achieved 97% mortality in codling moth larvae at 22,000 psi, but egg mortality was low at this pressure.
• Codling moth eggs showed no hatching at HPPs between 30,000 and 80,000 psi.
• 100% mortality for western cherry fruit fly eggs and larvae was observed at pressures ≥25,000 psi.
• Apple and sweet cherry quality deteriorated after HPP treatment.

Conclusions:

• HPP shows potential for controlling specific life stages of codling moth and western cherry fruit fly.
• Higher pressures are required for egg mortality compared to larval mortality.
• Poor fruit quality post-treatment suggests limited application for apples and cherries, but potential for other quarantine pests.