An alternative method instead of methyl bromide for insect disinfestation of dried figs: Controlled atmosphere

Methyl bromide is frequently used as a fumigant for disinfestation of insects in stored agricultural commodities such as nuts, cereals, dried vegetables and fruits in Turkey. Methyl bromide has carcinogenic effects. Therefore the application of methyl bromide as a fumigant is prohibited in many countries. Some of countries have a tolerance level for methyl bromide residues. Turkey is an important producer of dried figs in the World. Development of new alternative methods instead of methyl bromide is a most important factor for the protection of human health and the continuation of the exportation of these products. The main vermin that harms dried figs is Cadra cautella. This insect damages the dried figs by forming a web of cocoons inside and on the surface of the fruit between adjacent surfaces, which results in loss of interior quality. In this work, the effect of the controlled atmosphere conditions was undertaken to prevent infestation of Cadra cautella in dried figs. For this aim an exothermic generator that maintained less than or equal to 1% O-2 and 10-15% CO2 atmosphere composition into the container was used. Treatments were done by using three different temperatures (25, 30, 35 degrees C) and periods (24, 48, 72 hours). In these studies, approximately 3-4 kg dried figs were put into the 15 It jars, 200 kg and 8.5 ton dried figs were put into the container. As experiment materials 16-22 days old larvae and 24, 48, and 72 h old eggs were used. While 100% mortality were supplied from jar experiments at 30 degrees C for 48 h. Similar results were obtained from the container experiment at 25 degrees C for 30 h. At the same time the effect of these treatments on the quality changes of dried figs were determined and it was observed that there were no negative effects of these treatments on the quality parameters of dried figs.