Methyl iodide and forced aeration on the post-harvest quality of lemons

• Published in: Postharvest biology and technology Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 45 - 50
• Main Authors: Aung, L.H, Leesch, J.G, Jenner, J.F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Science 01.05.2004
• Subjects: aeration; Aonidiella aurantii; Biological and medical sciences; citrus fruits; control methods; Food industries; Fruit and vegetable industries; fruit quality; fumigation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; insect control; lemons; Mel; methane; methyl iodide; phytotoxicity; postharvest treatment; quarantine; scale insects; seasonal variation; stored product protection; Aeration; Fumigation; Fruit; Citrus fruit; Quality; Postharvest; Lemon; Iodine
• ISSN: 0925-5214; 1873-2356
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-5214(04)00078-X

Methyl iodide (MI) fumigation to control California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii) at dosages of 24, 28, and 32 g/m3 for 2 h combined with 2- and 24-h forced aeration using 3.5 l of air per min at 21EC immediately after fumigation was tested on early-, mid- and, late-season lemons [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F] from the coastal and desert regions. The MI treatment lowered fruit quality due to moderate to severe rind injury with increasing MI dosage. The degree of lemon phytotoxicity was influenced by season of harvest. Early season lemons of both coastal (cooler) and desert (warmer) regions sustained less fruit phytotoxicity than mid- and late-season lemons. Forced aeration of 24-h immediately after the MI treatment dramatically reduced fruit phytotoxicity irregardless of seasonal and climatic factors. Based upon the results of MI and on the known response of California red scale to this fumigant, we propose that a MI dosage of 26 g/m3 for 2 h combined with 24-h forced aeration post-fumigation could provide an effective quarantine treatment for lemon.