Effect of heat vapor on death rate of Ceratitis capitata and in the post harvest quality of mangoes fruits (Mangifera indica L.) cv Tommy Atkins.
Batista J. de L., Bortoli S. A. de, Costa N. P. da, Costa N. P. da
Author Affiliation: Departamento de Fitotecnia do CCA/UFPB-Campus II, 58397-000, Areia (PB), Brazil.
Revista de Ciências Agrárias : 83-90
Abstract : A study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of heat vapour on postharvest control of fruit flies (C. capitata) in mango fruits. Riped fruits were artificially infested (40 eggs per fruit) and treated with vapour (40 and 50°C) for 30, 45, 60 and 90 minutes. The pH, °brix and acidity of the fruits were recorded 24 and 72 h after the treatment. Larval death rate was used to determine the treatment efficacy after 15 days. The insect death rate was 100% in the 50°C-heated vapour for 90 minutes, although this condition accelerated the fruit maturity.