Inactivation of mango seed weevil, Sternochetus mangiferae, by gamma irradiation.
Milne D. L., Kok I. B., Thomas A. C., Swarts D. H.
Author Affiliation: Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Research Institute, Nelspruit, South Africa.
Citrus and Subtropical Fruit Journal : 11, 13-15, 17
Abstract : Fruits of early and late-maturing mango cvs were irradiated with 30-85 krad and the effects were assessed on weevil mortality within the seeds and on their emergence. In the early-maturing cv. there were more weevil immature stages, and the percentage mortality was high. At 50 krad weevil emergence was prevented. In the late-maturing cv. weevil mortality was lower and treatment at 50 krad had little effect on weevil emergence. It was concluded that a radiation dosage rate of slightly over 50 krad was the optimum; fruit quality was not affected by this rate.