News
Infested fruit with data loggers , ready for fumigation . Photo : P . Wyatt
Fumo breakthrough
Dosing down on methyl bromide
By Jenny Ekman
Entry for Australian nectarines into China is not just big news for summerfruit , it is big news in general . Much has been written in the fresh produce press , and indeed in this issue of ASG .
This breakthrough in trade is only possible due to agreement over quarantine protocols . These are primarily designed to disinfest the fruit of ( potential ) fruit fly infestation – the major barrier to fresh fruit trade between Australia and many overseas markets .
It is not easy to develop a new quarantine protocol . Large data sets are needed detailing treatments and numbers of insects killed . These must meet the requirements of both the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources ( DAWR ) and authorities in potential importing countries .
Developing protocols
Protocols also need to meet the needs of industry ; the treatment has to be economical , fit with supply chain logistics and , obviously , avoid damaging the product .
There are a number of options for killing fruit flies . These include cold , heat , irradiation and fumigation . Cold takes a long time so generally has to be done in transit – which can be a risky business given the precise temperature control that is needed . Heat damages stonefruit and irradiation is not approved in many markets .
18 Australian Stonefruit Grower | December 2016 summerfruit . com . au