HortTechnology (2004) 14, 533-537

J.D. Hansen, M.L. Heidt, M.A. Watkins, S.R. Drake, J. Tang and S. Wang (2004)
Radio frequency treatments for postharvest codling moth control in fresh apples
HortTechnology 14 (4), 533-537
Abstract: Efficacy of using radio frequency (RF) at 27.12 MHz was evaluated as a postharvest quarantine treatment against fifth instars of the codling moth [Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)], in apples (Malus sylvestris). Tests under the given conditions demonstrated that the energy fields between the RF unit's electrodes were neither predictable nor uniform. Moving fruit submerged in water during RF exposure may improve uniformity, but pulp temperatures varied considerably among fruit, among sites on the same fruit, and at different depths within the same site. As a result of these inconsistencies, quarantine efficacy was not obtained either using a range of final average temperatures from 40 to 68 °C (104.0 to 154.4 °F) or at holding times up to 20 minutes. We concluded it would be difficult to obtain the appropriate parameters for treatment efficacy and fruit quality maintenance using this technology under these conditions.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): James D. Hansen

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general
quarantine treatments/regulations/aspects

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cydia pomonella	Apple (Malus)
	Cydia pomonella	Stored fruits/vegetables