Cost ( per unit ) |
Fruit quality ( sub tropical and soft fruits ) |
Operational reliability and simplicity |
Range of insects treatable |
Toxic chemical residues |
Quarantine approval process |
Chemicals ( e . g . Dimethoate , Fenthion , Methyl Bromide ) |
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This is a commonly used treatment option but there are some regulatory , supply , safety and environmental risks associated with the chemicals . |
Cost competitive . |
Fumigation can damage several fruit types . |
Some post treatment handling required .
Some insects are either resistent or become resistent .
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A risk of chemical residues . |
Regulatory restrictions and consumer resistance increasing . |
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Irradiation |
The product is exposed to high-energy gamma or x-rays which is highly effective in killing or sterilising insects . |
Resonably cost competitive . |
Generally minimal impact on fruit quality . |
A simple process that can be applied to fruit that is already packed . |
Effective against a broad range of insects . |
No risk of chemical residues from treatment . |
Limited but growing acceptance in Australia and internationally . |
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Refrigeration |
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Cooling the fruit kills insects of tropical or sub-tropical origin over several days . Commonly used . |
Resonably cost competitive if energy use not considered . |
Exposure to cold temperatures can damage fruit quality . |
Some issues with reliability and quality assurance of the process |
Not effective against some insects . |
No risk of chemical residues from treatment . |
Widely recognised and accepted . |
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Hot water |
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�������������������������������������������������������������� pests . A rapid method suitable for pre-packed product although with some issues relating to product quality . |
Cost competitive . |
Adverse impact on quality and self life . |
A simple process but fruit shape and size can be an issue |
Effective against a broad range of insects . |
No risk of chemical residues from treatment . |
Widely recognised and accepted . |
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Vapour heat |
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Fruit is exposed to heated air in a staged process . Used for special markets . |
Relatively expensive . |
Adverse impact on quality and self life . |
Fruit requires ����������� post treatment handling . |
Effective against a broad range of insects . |
No risk of chemical residues from treatment . |
Limited acceptance . |
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Controlled atmosphere |
Fruit is placed in sealed containers with low oxygen / high CO2 levels . Conditions in containers need to be monitored and fruit needs to have a long-shelf . Commercial use is rare . |
Relatively expensive . |
Minimal impact on quality for fruits with long shelf life . |
Simple process but lengthy and some issues with assurance . |
Effective only on a limited range of insects .
No risk of chemical residues from treatment .
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Limited approvals . |