Pest Management Science (2016) 72, 1604-1612

Salehe Abbar, Barbara Amoah, M. Wes Schilling and Thomas W. Phillips (2016)
Efficacy of selected food-safe compounds to prevent infestation of the ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acarina: Acaridae), on southern dry-cured hams
Pest Management Science 72 (8), 1604-1612
Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) is a serious mite pest of dried meats and cheeses. Infestations of T. putrescentiae are controlled with the fumigant methyl bromide, which is an ozone-depleting substance and is currently being banned in most countries. Effective alternatives to methyl bromide are needed. The objective of this research was to use laboratory assays to investigate the effectiveness of food-safe compounds for preventing infestation of T. putrescentiae on dry-cured hams.
RESULTS
Ham pieces dipped in solutions of either propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), lard, ethoxyquin or butylated hydroxytoluene prevented or significantly reduced mite population growth. Behavioral assays revealed that more mites oriented to the untreated control ham cubes, and more eggs were laid on these untreated ham cubes, compared with cubes treated with various dips. Our results also indicated that a combination of carrageenan + propylene glycol alginate + 40% propylene glycol was effective in reducing mite numbers on whole aging hams compared with untreated whole hams.
CONCLUSIONS
Several food-safe compounds can prevent infestation of T. putrescentiae on dry-cured hams and may represent alternatives for managing this pest.
(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): Thomas W. Phillips

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Tyrophagus putrescentiae	Stored animal products