Towards more effective heat disinfestation from a biological perspective

摘要

Serious problems confront the future of chemical methods of insect disinfestation. Methyl bromide is becoming costly and is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. The use of phosphine is being progressively regulated and insect resistance tothe fumigant is growing. Resistance to important protectants is also widespread, while pesticide residues are becoming more unacceptable to markets in general. On the other hand, heat disinfestation may be an increasingly viable option, as it has the advantages of being both chemical and resistance free and is comparatively rapid. However, the use of heat has been considered expensive relative to the cheaper chemical options. Therefore, any means of reducing the cost of treatment can greatly assist theuptake of the technology. This paper examines how this can be done from a biological perspective. It discusses some of the areas where more information has been valuable. These include variable heat tolerance during insect development; the impact of environmental moisture on insect survival; the impact of rate of heating on mortality; and the acquisition of a greater range of data on temperature/time treatments for different insect species. Methods of obtaining this information, the development of statistical models and the importance of monitoring the effects of treatment on product quality are also discussed. In this way, more precise treatment protocols that reduce the excessive use of energy can be developed for storage structures and machinery. Italso allows the development of alternative ways, which consider the interrelation between energy savings, treatment times and commodity requirements, for disinfesting insects in various commodities. Thus, a better understanding of heat-induced mortalitycreates new solutions in terms both of engineering strategies and treatment management that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the technology. These improvements help to make heat disinfestation a more attractive option for chemical-free insect control in food commodities and the storage environment.