EFFICACY OF 'IDIPERATURE TREATNENTS FOR INSECT DISINFESTATION OF DRIED FRUITS AND ~11l'S

In order to determine the potential of various temperature treatments for disinfesting dried fruits and nuts of postharvest insect pests, e>qx>sure times for 50, 95 and 99% mortality in navel orangeworm eggs and pupae and Indiaruneal moth pupae were estimated. For navel orangeworm eggs, 99% mortality was achieved with a.-posure times of 194 minutes at 45°C and 14 minutes at 49°C. Navel orangeworm pupae reacted differently to temperatures; 99% mortalities were produced at 37 minutes at 46°C and 12 minutes at 49° C. Indiaruneal moth pupae were less heat tolerant, similar mortali ties were obtained at 42 minutes at only 420C and 13 minutes at 46°C. Freezing points for various stages of the Indianmeal moth were also determined. Pupae and diapausing larvae were the most freeze tolerant, with freezing points of -25°C and -23°C, respectively. The freezing point for non-diapausing larvae was -15°C. The protocol for studies on the effect of high temperatures on product quality was established and experiments were begun. Infonnation on the engineering and economic aspects of both high and low temperature treatments was gathered and an analysis begun.