Research with the fumigant ethylene dibromide (EDB) to protect export fruits and difficulties arising from the suspension of its use.
Suplicy Filho N., Petelincar I. M., Myazaki I., Ungaro M. T. S., Ferreira M. S., Guindani C. M. A.
Author Affiliation: Divisão de Parasitologia Vegetal, Instituto Biológico, São Paulo, Brazil.
Biológico 50 : 163-167
Abstract : Laboratory studies in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1981-84 showed that fumigation of fruits for export with EDB [1,2-dibromoethane] at doses of 10-16 ml/m³ for 2 h at ambient temperatures of 18-28°C gave sufficient control of Ceratitis capitata, to enable consignments to be accepted for export to countries with strict quarantine requirements in respect of this pest. The fruits included in the tests were persimmons, oranges, lemons, pawpaws, guavas, melons, mangoes, grapes, avocados, figs, bananas, passion fruits, medlars and carambolas [Averrhoa carambola]. It is pointed out that the use of EDB in stored grains, mills and warehouses was banned in the USA as from February 1984, but that the prohibition did not extend at that time to fruits.