Advances in Postharvest Pest Control on Perishable Commodities Using Ultralow Oxygen Treatment and Low Temperature Phosphine Fumigation

摘要

Recent research in postharvest pest control on fresh fruits and vegetables for export markets have resulted in promising uhralow oxygen (ULO) treatments and low temperature phosphine fumigation treatments for a variety of pests on different commodities. Lettuce aphid （Nasonovia ribisnig-ri), western flower thrips （Frankliniella occidentalis), and black widow spiders （Latrodectus hesperus)were successfully controlled on head lettuce, broccoli, and table grapes respectively, without negative impact on product quality. Tolerance of lettuce to ULO treatment varied among cuhivars and was also affected by pretreatment storage. One week storage under normal or CA conditions prevented injury to lettuce by the subsequent ULO treatment for control of western flower thrips. In general, shorter treatment at higher temperature had less impact on lettuce quality as compared with longer treatment at lower temperature for control of western flower thrips. Low temperature fumigation with diluted (p)ure phosphine gas was effective for control of western flower thrips on lettuce, broccoli, asparagus, and strawberries without negative effects on product quality. A successful commercial trial in a refrigerated reefer container also demonstrated the efficacy of low temperature phosphine fumigation for control of the thrips and its safety for the postharvest quality of all products. Complete control of lettuce aphid and leafminer (Liriomyza langei Frick) were also achieved with low temperature phosphine fumigation without negative effects on lettuce quality. These advances provided promising controlled atmosphere and fumigation treatments for commercial development. The ULO treatment also has potential to be used for postharvest pest control on organic products and facilitates international trade of organically produced agricultural commodities.