1. Evaluation of dry heat as a postharvest disinfestation treatment for persimmons
- Author
-
R. T. Baker, K. D. Chadfield, and J. M. Cowley
- Subjects
Commercial scale ,food and beverages ,Diospyros kaki ,Horticulture ,Biology ,Shelf life ,Confirmatory trial ,Agronomy ,Soluble solids ,Dry heat ,Postharvest ,Epiphyas postvittana ,Agronomy and Crop Science - Abstract
Dry heat is proposed as a non-chemical postharvest disinfestation treatment for export persimmons (Diospyros kaki L.). A fruit surface temperature of 47°C at 55–60% RH for 15 min is recommended to effect 100% mortality of thrips, mealybugs, and leafrollers. On persimmon fruit these are all surface dwelling pests. Fruit tolerance trials showed that this fruit surface temperature/time exposure was not detrimental to persimmon fruit firmness, soluble solids concentration, and appearance; and did not reduce shelf life. A commercial scale confirmatory trial is planned.
- Published
- 1992