Australian Stonefruit Grower Magazine Issue 2 August 2016 | Page 13

Feature

Rays of hope
By Jack Rozycki

How gamma irradiation of produce may help in the
constant battle against insects now that chemicals
are being progressively restricted.

T

he use of chemical insecticides and fumigants such as

including cobalt-60,

Dimethoate, Fenthion and methyl bromide to provide

e-beam or X-ray

quarantine security is increasingly restricted around the

machines. This

world. Further complicating matters are the different

treatment is very

requirements of each export market. Complicating matters

effective in killing

further are the different requirements of various export

and or sterilising

markets.

insects both internally and externally on fruit, while leaving

Indeed, the European Union has banned the use of

Ben Reilly, Steritech Businesss
Development Manager.
Photo: Jack Rozycki

no harmful residue that could be ingested by the consumer/

methyl bromide, a hitherto commonly used fumigant.

end-user. Importantly, it does not noticeably alter the

In Australia, methyl bromide is no longer used as a

colour nor the taste of the produce. Ionising irradiation can

soil fumigant, Fenthion has received a cease notice in

also reduce and control moulds and bacteria, enhancing

November last year, while Dimethoate is being phased

shelf life and quality as has been observed in cherry and

out in the medium term following a review by Australian

blueberry trials treated within the FSANZ food irradiation

Pesticides and Veterinary medicines Authority just a few

limit of 1000 grays (units of radiation) in Queensland. .

months ago http://apvma.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/
dimethoate-residues-report-updated-june-2016.pdf

An Australian firm Steritech provides just such an
irradiation service for growers. The bulk of its work

With regulatory screws being tightened for chemicals,

includes sterilisation of medical equipment and devices.

exporters may increasingly have to rely on cold, hot water,

It also irradiates as a quarantine treatment for imported

vapour heat and controlled atmospheres to kill pests, none

items – especially wood and organic products that contain

of which are as cheap, fast and effective as chemicals.

plants and/or soil. With the stricter regulations pertaining

Except, perhaps, irradiation.

to chemicals it now sees irradiating fruit and vegetable

With irradiation, the produce is briefly exposed to
ionising energy which can come from a variety of sources
summerfruit.com.au

produce even more firmly in its future.
Australian Stonefruit Grower visited Steritech in the
august 2016 | Australian Stonefruit Grower

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