Journal of Economic Entomology (2020) 113, 700-711

Vaughan Hattingh, Sean Moore, Wayne Kirkman, Mat Goddard, Sean Thackeray, Mellissa Peyper, Gary Sharp, Paul Cronjé and Ken Pringle (2020)
An improved systems approach as a phytosanitary measure for Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in export citrus fruit from South Africa
Journal of Economic Entomology 113 (2), 700-711
Abstract: A systems approach was previously developed for mitigating phytosanitary risk of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) in citrus fruit exported from South Africa, as an alternative to a standalone cold disinfestation treatment. The present study first tested the original systems approach by applying it on a semicommercial scale in 10 Nova mandarin orchards. Fruit were inspected at points in the production, packing, and simulated shipping process, to assess performance of the systems approach. Additional data were obtained from 17 Valencia orange orchards and six packinghouses. In the second part of this study, the systems approach was accordingly revised and improved, consisting of three measures: 1) preharvest controls and measurements and postpicking sampling, inspection, and packinghouse procedures; 2) postpacking sampling and inspection; and 3) shipping conditions. The model quantifying the effectiveness of the systems approach was improved by correcting errors in the original version, updating parameter values and adding a component that provides for comparison with the risk mitigation provided by a standalone disinfestation treatment. Consequently, the maximum potential proportion of fruit that may be infested with live T. leucotreta after application of the improved systems approach is no greater than the proportion of fruit that may be infested after application of a Probit 9 efficacy postharvest disinfestation treatment to fruit with a 2% pretreatment infestation. The probability of a mating pair surviving is also determined. The model enables a priori determination of the required threshold levels for any of the three measures, based on quantification of the other two measures.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Sean D. Moore, Ken L. Pringle

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

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Thaumatotibia leucotreta	Citrus (genus)	South Africa