Efficacy of Various Low Temperature and Exposure Time Combinations for Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Larvae

A systems approach was developed as an alternative to a standalone quarantine disinfestation treatment for Thaumatotibia leucotreta in citrus fruit exported from South Africa. The systems approach consists of three measures: pre and postharvest controls and measurements, postpacking inspection, and postharvest exposure to low temperatures. Different cold treatment conditions with a range of efficacy levels can be used for this last measure. A series of trials reported here evaluated the efficacy of seven temperatures ranging from 0 to 5 degrees C for durations from 14 d to 26 d. Mortality of the most cold-tolerant larval stages of T. leucotreta was determined. Temperatures of 0, 1, 2, and 3 degrees C for 16, 19, 20, and 24 d respectively, induced 100% mortality of the tested populations. Probit 9 level treatment efficacy was achieved at 0 and 1 degrees C for 16 and 19 d respectively. Mortalities higher than 90% were obtained with temperatures of 4, 4.5, and 5 degrees C, after exposure for the longer durations. We demonstrated a significant difference in cold-induced insecticidal efficacy between 1, 2, 3, and 4 degrees C. There was no significant difference in insecticidal efficacy between 4 and 4.5 degrees C, but both of these temperatures were more efficacious than 5 degrees C. The results of this study are valuable to support the use of cold treatment conditions with lower risk of fruit chilling injury in an effective systems approach, where the cold treatment efficacy can be augmented with other components of the systems approach.

Automated summary

A systems approach with pre and postharvest controls and measurements, postpacking inspection, and postharvest exposure to low temperatures was developed as a alternative to standalone quarantine disinfestation treatment for Thaumatotibia leucotreta in citrus fruit exported from South Africa. Trials evaluating different temperatures found that temperatures of 0-3 degrees C resulted in 100% mortality of the most cold-tolerant larval stages of T. leucotreta. Temperatures of 4-5 degrees C also had high mortality rates. The choice and control of cold treatment conditions can enhance the efficacy of the systems approach.