Evaluating Vacuum and Steam Heat to Eliminate Pinewood Nematodes in Naturally Infested Whole Pine Logs.

Pinewood nematodes threaten forest health and continue to interfere with international trade because they can be spread around the globe via nematode-infested wood. International Standards for Phytosanitary Measure (ISPM-15) requires that all pine wood be treated at 56°C for 30 min to ensure that all pests and pathogens are killed within sawn wood, whereas fumigation with methyl bromide is the currently approved practice and widely used in treating whole logs. A method of treatment that uses less energy and time or does not rely on environmentally damaging gases is urgently needed. Because vacuum with steam has shown promise in treating several different commodities, the purpose of this study was to use it to eradicate pinewood nematodes in whole logs. Three protocols were applied: 1) 48°C for 15 min., 2) 56°C for 30 min., and 3) 60°C for 60 min. The third protocol reduced the population to statistically zero; however, some samples contained at least 1 survivor. Unfortunately, these surviving nematodes increased in number one month after treatment, and one year later, they continued to reproduce in the wood. Therefore, this protocol needs to be further refined to remove pinewood nematodes completely. Explanation of the survival of individual nematodes within whole logs remains a matter for conjecture: 1) certain portions of the wood were somehow insulated from the heat and did not achieve the lethal temperature, and 2) survival stages may be able to survive temperatures that are deadly to the normal life stages.

Sulfuryl Fluoride Fumigation as a Quarantine Treatment for the Control of Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in Wood.

High-risk termites in wood imported to the Republic of Korea are currently treated with methyl bromide (MB), which has ozone-depleting properties and is highly toxic. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sulfuryl fluoride (SF) as a quarantine treatment against Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) in wood, along with its wood sorption and penetration capacity. The LCt50 and LCt99 values for SF were 30.87 and 42.53 mg h/L at 23 °C and 151.62 and 401.9 mg h/L at 5 °C, respectively. The SF Ct values did not significantly differ between dry and wet wood at loading ratios of 10%, 30%, and 50% at both 5 °C and 23 °C (p > 0.05). In a closed wooden cube, the LCt50 and LCt99 for SF for R. speratus were 31.59 and 53.34 mg h/L, respectively, indicating an excellent wood penetration ability. SF caused 100% termite mortality with a 90% loading ratio in the scale-up trials (500 L). The SF concentration during ventilation decreased below the threshold limit value (TLV) of 5 ppm within 30 min, confirming that the working conditions were safe. This study provides a basis for the use of SF as an alternative to MB for the treatment of termites in wood.

Ethyl Formate Fumigation against Pineapple Mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes, a Quarantine Insect Pest of Pineapples.

Pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a significant pest in pineapple production and a key trade barrier. We explored the potential use of ethyl formate (EF) as a methyl bromide alternative for the postharvest fumigation of D. brevipes in imported pineapples. When treated at 8 °C for 4 h, EF fumigation was effective against D. brevipes with LCt99, the lethal concentration × time product of EF necessary to achieve 99% mortality of D. brevipes nymphs and adults at 64.2 and 134.8 g h/m3, respectively. Sorption trials conducted with 70 g/m3 EF for 4 h at 8 °C using 7.5, 15 and 30% pineapple loading ratios (w/v) indicated that loading ratio lower than 30% is necessary to achieve the LCt99 values required to control D. brevipes. In a scaled up trial using 1 m3 chamber, EF fumigation with 70 g/m3 for 4 h at 8 °C with 20% pineapple loading ratio (w/v) resulted in a complete control of D. brevipes treated. There were no significant differences in hue values, sugar contents, firmness, and weight loss between EF-treated and untreated pineapples. Our results suggest that EF is a promising alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for the postharvest phytosanitary disinfection of D. brevipes in pineapples.

Evaluation of the effect of photoplethysmograms on workers' exposure to methyl bromide using second derivative.

Methyl bromide (MB) is worldwide the only effective fumigant heavily used for quarantine pre-shipment treatment and has a critical use exemption for soil fumigations due to its excellent permeability and insecticidal effect. However, MB should be replaced as it is an an ozone-depleting substance and also highly toxic to humans. Recently, MB has been shown to be hazardous even for asymptomatic workers, affecting their central and autonomic nervous systems. However, the effects of MB exposure on vascular health have not been explored. This study aimed to determine whether MB affects the arterial system of asymptomatic workers. We measured the second derivative of the photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) indices, which are indicators of vascular load and aging, and urinary bromide ion (Br-) concentrations in 44 fumigators (study group) and 20 inspectors (control group) before and after fumigation. In fumigators, the mean values of post-work SDPTG indices (b/a, c/a, d/a, e/a, and SDPTG aging index) and Br- levels were significantly changed compared to their pre-work values (p < 0.05), indicating a negative effect on their cardiovascular health. In contrast, SDPTG indices and Br- levels in inspectors did not show any differences before and after work. All SDPTG indices except c/a showed significant correlations with Br- levels in all individuals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the Br- levels and SDPTG indices of fumigators varied after MB work, and they experienced negative effects on their health despite being asymptomatic.

Effects of Fumigation on the Reduction of Salmonella enterica in Soil.

Due to the phaseout of methyl bromide (MeBr), there is a need for broad-spectrum soil fumigation alternatives for pest management. Little is known about the impact of fumigation alternatives on foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella, in agricultural soils. This study investigated the effect of MeBr alternative fumigants on Salmonella reduction in soil. Sandy loam soil was collected from a conventional farmed vegetable field and inoculated with either Salmonella Newport J1892 or Typhimurium ATCC 14028 (5.9 ± 0.3 log10 colony-forming unit [CFU]/g). Each of the four fumigants labeled for pest management (1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin, dimethyl disulfide, and metam sodium) was applied at labeled maximum application field levels to soil in pots and stored for a 2-week period. Sterile water was used as a control. Following the 2-week period, Salmonella concentrations in soil samples were enumerated at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days postfumigation. The mean concentration of Salmonella Newport was significantly higher than that of Salmonella Typhimurium 1 day after fumigation (p = 0.015). Fumigation using 1,3-dichloropropene or dimethyl disulfide significantly reduced Salmonella Newport and Salmonella Typhimurium concentrations, compared with the sterile water control. The rate of Salmonella reduction in soil treated with dimethyl disulfide was higher (0.17 ± 0.02 log10 CFU/g/day), compared with soil treated with the other fumigants (0.10-0.12 log10 CFU/g/day). Due to the reduction of Salmonella, alternative fumigation treatments may mitigate potential Salmonella contamination in soil within farm environments.

Comparison of fumigation efficacy of methyl bromide alone and phosphine applied either alone or simultaneously or sequentially against Bactrocera correcta in Selenicereus undatus (red pitaya) fruit.

BACKGROUND: Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) is a significant pest of the red pitaya fruit (Selenicereus undatus). This study investigated the insecticidal effects of methyl bromide (MB) alone, phosphine (PH3 ) alone, both applied simultaneously (PH3 + MB), and PH3 application followed sequentially by MB (PH3 → MB) against B. correcta in red pitaya fruits. RESULTS: The 3rd instar larvae of B. correcta were the most tolerant to MB alone and the combined treatments, whereas eggs were the most susceptible stage. Both the PH3 + MB and PH3 → MB treatments resulted in higher mortality at all stages than MB alone, demonstrating a synergistic effect between MB and PH3 . The toxicity of the combined treatments increased with increasing PH3 concentrations, with the optimal concentration recorded being 1.42 to 2.84 g m-3 . Further probit analysis revealed that compared to the MB treatment alone, the median lethal dose values of MB in PH3 + MB and PH3 → MB treatment, were reduced to 63.73% and 66.82%, respectively. Fruit quality was not adversely affected by either of the combined treatments. CONCLUSION: This work provides robust evidence that combining MB and PH3 to control B. correcta is highly effective, especially the PH3 → MB treatment. This combination decreased the amount of MB required for effective control at all life stages, while protecting fruit quality against MB phytotoxicity to a greater extent than conventional MB fumigation alone. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ethyl Formate Fumigation for Control of the Scale Insect Asiacornococcus kaki, a Quarantine Pest on Sweet Persimmon, Diospyros kaki: Efficacy, Phytotoxicity and Safety.

Sweet persimmons are a valuable export commodity. However, the presence of live insects such as Asiacornococcus kaki limits their access to many export markets. Methyl bromide, traditionally used for pest control, is damaging to human health and the environment. Ethyl formate (EF) is a viable alternative; however, its effectiveness against A. kaki on sweet persimmon fruit is unknown. We evaluated the effectiveness of EF fumigation in controlling A. kaki present under the calyx of persimmon fruit. The hatching rate of eggs and the survival rates of nymphs and adults of A. kaki at low temperatures, its LCt50 and LCt99 after EF exposure, and phytotoxic damage caused by EF were evaluated in laboratory-scale and commercial-scale tests. The dose-response tests showed that the EF LCt99 at 5 °C was 9.69, 42.13, and 126.13 g h m-3 for adults, nymphs, and eggs, respectively. Commercial-scale tests demonstrated EF efficacy against all A. kaki stages without causing phytotoxic effects on persimmons, though the eggs of A. kaki were not completely controlled in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)-packaged fruit. This study demonstrated that EF is a potential fumigant for quarantine pretreatment, especially before persimmon fruit is packed with LLDPE film, to control A. kaki infesting sweet persimmon fruit.

Comparison of Methyl Bromide and Ethyl Formate for Fumigation of Snail and Fly Pests of Imported Orchids.

Invasive snails and flies are major pests of imported orchids, controlled by methyl bromide (MB) fumigation in Korea. We compared the efficacy and phytotoxicity of ethyl formate (EF) and MB on four species of imported orchids using juvenile stages of Achatina fulica and third and fourth instars of Lycoriella mali. EF was as effective as MB. The LCt99 values of EF were 68.1 and 73.1 g h/m3 at 15 °C; and those of MB were 95.9 and 78.4 g h/m3 at 15 °C for A. fulica and L. mali, respectively. In the scale-up trials, EF treatment at 35 g/m3 for 4 h at 15 °C resulted in complete control of both pests. MB treatment based on the current treatment guidelines for imported orchids (48 g/m3, 2 h, at >15 °C) resulted in complete control of L. mali but not of A. fulica. Chlorophyll content and hue values of treated orchids were not affected by EF treatment but significantly changed by MB (p-value < 0.05). All four treated species of orchids died within 30 d of MB treatment, while only one species died from EF treatment. Our results suggest that EF is a potential alternative to MB in phytosanitary treatment of imported orchids.

Targeted medical examinations for workers exposed to fumigants.

Fumigants are gaseous pesticides or biocides which eradicate pests by suffocation or poisoning. Worker exposure to fumigants is mainly via inhalation, followed by dermal contact and ingestion, leading to various acute and chronic health effects. Implementation of appropriate workplace controls such as adequate ventilation, training and personal protective equipment ensure that exposure to fumigants are kept to the lowest level as practically possible. In addition, routine medical examinations also allow for doctors to identify and manage possible exposure to fumigants and ascertain workers' fitness to work.While management guidelines after an acute exposure to such fumigants is clear and consistent, the guidelines on routine medical examination for fumigators is sparse. Components of the medical examinations vary according to the fumigant, workers are exposed to and its chronic health effects. Hence, this paper highlights the health hazards of commonly utilised fumigants; Methyl Bromide, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Phosphide and Sulfuryl Fluoride; and outlines the guidance for routine medical examinations for exposed fumigators.

Severe methyl bromide poisoning causing early acute renal failure and anuria: a case report.

Methyl bromide is a pre-plant soil fumigant that is widely used to control nematodes, insects, and fungi in farmlands. Methyl bromide enters the human body through dermal absorption or inhalation and can damage the respiratory, nervous, circulatory, urinary, and other systems. A 62-year-old man who had inhaled a large amount of methyl bromide was admitted to our department. He presented with respiratory failure and pink foamy sputum. He was started on dexamethasone, alanyl glutamine, sulbactam, furosemide, vitamin B1, mouse nerve growth factor, and other treatments, and mechanical ventilation and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHF) were performed daily. He subsequently developed coagulopathy because of the CVVHF, for which protamine, recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide, and albumin were administered intravenously. Notably, the patient developed sustained anuria and eventually died owing to multiple organ failure; specifically, failure of the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys. This report presents the diagnosis, clinical course, management, and prognosis of a patient who was treated at our hospital for severe methyl bromide poisoning.

The problems of security of officials of customs agencies under carrying out customs inspection of containers treated by fumigants.

The use of various harmful substances for fumigation and preservation of goods during their transportation in containers to preserve it for longer time are widely used in sea transportations. In the context of increasing demand for carriage of goods in containers by sea, issue of customs officials safety, who are, as part of their duty customs inspection, the first to open container treated with fumigants, is becoming increasingly relevant. The results of analysis established absence of clear legal regulation of issues related to ensuring security of customs officials authorized to conduct customs inspections, both at international and national levels. In this regard, detailed analysis of main fumigants that customs inspector may encounter in his professional work is presented in this article. The risks of negative effect of fumigants on inspector health are studied and appropriate conclusions and recommendations regarding the legal and technical regulation of this question are formulated.

A reassessment of the fungicidal efficacy of 1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin, and metam potassium against Macrophomina phaseolina in strawberry.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of metam potassium, 1,3-dichloropropene, chloropicrin, and different ratios of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin on the reduction of natural and artificial inoculum of Macrophomina phaseolina were investigated in laboratory and field experiments. Additionally, a multivariate meta-analysis with data from six field trials conducted in Florida from 2012 to 2018 was performed. RESULTS: In small-plot field experiments using drip stakes, the highest rate (468 L ha-1 ) of metam potassium was most effective in controlling M. phaseolina in infected crowns buried at 15.2 cm from the point of fumigant injection, whereas none of the rates was able to reduce inoculum buried at 30.5 cm. In closed-container experiments, use of the highest rate of 1,3-dichloropropene (168 kg ha-1 ) resulted in the highest level of pathogen control. Different rates of chloropicrin also reduced inoculum when compared to the non-treated control. 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin at different ratios were also highly effective in controlling M. phaseolina. Results from the meta-analysis of open-field experiments indicated that metam potassium and 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin (63:35, v:v) treatments were significantly more effective in reducing M. phaseolina than the 1,3-dichloropropene + chloropicrin (39:60, v:v) treatment; however, metam potassium was not as effective at the side of the beds. CONCLUSION: 1,3-dichloropropene alone and in mixture with chloropicrin were more effective in reducing inoculum of M. phaseolina than chloropicrin alone, indicating the fungicidal efficacy of 1,3-dichloropropene. Formulation with higher 1,3-dichloropropene concentration performed better than the formulation with higher chloropicrin concentration in field trials. Metam potassium was effective when applied at the highest rate, but with limited lateral movement perpendicular to the drip irrigation line. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nitric Oxide Fumigation for Control of Ham Mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae).

The ham mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae), is a common pest infesting several stored products, particularly the aged hams. In this study, we reported the efficacy of nitric oxide (NO) fumigation, a recently discovered fumigation treatment under the ultra-low oxygen environment, at various concentrations and time under the laboratory conditions at 25°C against different mite stages on both dietary media and ham meat. Our results showed that NO fumigation was effective against all mite stages and 100% control was achieved. Generally, the egg was the most tolerant stage and required 48-, 24-, 16-, and 8-h treatments to achieve 100% mortality at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% NO concentration on dietary media, respectively. Tyrophagus putrescentiae mobile immatures and adult stages were less tolerant, and 100% mortality was achieved after 16-, 8-, 8-, and 4-h treatment at 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% NO, respectively. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of NO on egg was 0.86, 0.68, and 0.32% for 8-, 16-, and 24-h treatments. In addition, a confirmatory test was conducted on ham meat at 0.5 and 1.0% of NO and similar efficacy was found. Complete control of egg was achieved after 48- and 24-h treatment at 0.5 and 1.0% of NO, respectively, and larvae and adult mites were 100% controlled after 16 and 8 h at 0.5 and 1.0% of NO, respectively. Our results demonstrated that NO fumigation was effective against T. putrescentiae and can be a potential alternative treatment to methyl bromide for cured-ham pest control.

Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse, 1884) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae): Its interception at the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro and relevance as a quarentine pest (A1)

Heterobostrychus aequalis (Waterhouse, 1884) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is considered a severe pest for wood and wood products in regions where it is established. In Brazil, so far, there are no records of its establishment. Therefore, this work reports the interception of this Bostrichidae in the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, on pallet wood from India. It also defends the maintenance of this insect as an absent quarantine pest (A1), by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. It also conducts a discussion that addresses the efficiency of wood treatments, usually used to prevent the spread of quarantine pests in environments where there is international transit of wood, demonstrating that they may not be efficient in this regard, especially for insect species that have the capacity to lay eggs on dry wood. In this context, it also suggests population monitoring, combined with inspections, as an aid measure for the early detection of this pest in an environment where there is international transit of wood.

Quantification of bromide ion in biological samples using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to establish a method for quantifying bromide ions (Br- ) in blood and urine using gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) equipped with a headspace sampler, for biological monitoring of workers exposed to methyl bromide. METHODS: Samples were mixed with dimethyl sulfate, and Br- ions were detected using GC-MS with a headspace sampler. The validity of the proposed method was evaluated based on most of the US FDA guidance. The values obtained were compared with reference values by analysis using SeronormTM Trace Elements Whole Blood L-1 RUO. RESULTS: The calibration curve showed good linearity in the Br- concentration range of 0.1-20.0 mg/L, and the coefficient of determination R2 value was >.999. Intraday and interday accuracy values were 99.3%-103.1% and 97.4%-101.8%, respectively. The measured and reference values of Seronorm were concordant. Herein, eight urine and serum samples of workers were analyzed; the samples' Br- concentrations were known. The correlation coefficients of urine and serum samples were 0.97 and 0.96, respectively, and results were consistent. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a simple and rapid method for the determination of Br- concentration in biological samples using GC-MS with a headspace sampler. Moreover, it can be used for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to methyl bromide and for the determination of Br- concentration in a wide range of biological samples.

Toxicity of Five Plant Volatiles to Adult and Egg Stages of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), the Spotted-Wing Drosophila.

The environmental impact of methyl bromide (MB) has resulted in its phase out as an insecticidal fumigant except for critical use exempted categories. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop an environmentally sustainable MB alternative fumigant. trans-Cinnamaldehyde (TC), benzaldehyde, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), hexanal, and ethyl formate (EF) are naturally occurring plant volatiles with insecticidal properties. This study assessed the toxicity of these plant volatiles to adult and egg stages of the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura). The plant volatile treatments had a significant effect on adult SWD mortality. The descending order of toxicity to adult SWD was benzaldehyde > AITC > TC > hexanal > EF at a headspace concentration of 0.50 µL/L air for 24 h. All the volatiles, at a concentration of 4.00 µL/L air, significantly inhibited larval emergence from SWD eggs in artificial diet compared to the control. At a 0.50 µL/L air level, among the volatiles tested, only AITC exhibited 100% inhibition against larval emergence from SWD eggs in blueberry fruits after 24 h exposure. In summary, this study shows that all volatiles tested elicited varying degrees of toxicity toward SWD adults and eggs. However, AITC was the most efficacious volatile and the one with the greatest promise as a post-harvest fumigant for both adult and egg stages of SWD.

Preliminary study to evaluate ethanedinitrile (C2 N2 ) for quarantine treatment of four wood destroying pests.

BACKGROUND: Methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance and is still being used for quarantine treatment of wood products and logs. Ethanedinitrile (C2 N2 ) is a new potential alternative fumigant and has been investigated as a timber fumigant because it has shown better penetration through timber and responds fast to insects and nematodes. This article reports on laboratory and commercial-scale trials with C2 N2 for important wood destroying pests namely Tomicus piniperda (Pine bark beetle) adults, Hyphantria cunea (Fall webworm) lavae, Reticulitermes speratus (Japanese Termite) adults and Cryphalus fulvus (Scolytidae) (Yellow minute bark beetle) which naturally infests pine logs. RESULTS: Tomicus pi:niperda adults were more tolerance than H. cunea lavae and R. speratus adults with lethal concentration × time affecting 99% mortality (LCt99 ) values of 27.84, 7.49 and 3.30 g h m-3 , respectively. Ethanedinitrile shows exceptionally high toxicity to adult R. speratus which was almost 26 times more toxic than methyl bromide. The complete control of larvae and adults stages of C. fulvus was achieved at concentration × time (Ct) products from 89.6 g h m-3 in a 6-8 L fumigation chamber. Temperature-depending trials on C. fulvus were conducted with C2 N2 doses of 30 at 21 ± 6 and 40 g m-3 at 9 ± 3 and 2 ± 2 °C for 24 h. The Ct products of 182.2, 227.8 and 268.6 g h m-3 were obtained and C. fulvus was completely controlled at all tested temperatures. CONCLUSION: Ethanedinitrile could offer quarantine treatment for wood products and logs for the control of wood destroying insect pests and termites.

A Combination Sulfuryl Fluoride and Propylene Oxide Treatment for Trogoderma granarium (Coleoptera: Dermestidae).

The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is an important quarantine pest of stored-products. While it is not established in the North America, frequent interceptions highlight the need for treatments to eradicate isolated populations if they occur. Methyl bromide has long been the standard fumigant used for this purpose; however, increasing restrictions on its use necessitate the development of new treatment options. Here we evaluate a treatment for khapra beetle using a combination of sulfuryl fluoride (SF) and propylene oxide (PPO). Experiments were conducted to determine the most tolerant stages and the effective rates for each compound. Combination treatments using both products were then evaluated at several temperatures to determine effective doses for quarantine level control. The egg stage was by far the most tolerant to SF, requiring concentration × time (CT) products roughly 10-fold greater than the next most tolerant stage, diapausing larvae. Diapausing larvae were significantly more tolerant to SF than non-diapausing larvae in a recently collected 'field' strain, but not in a more than 30-yr-old 'laboratory' culture. PPO treatments were shown to completely control the egg stage at CTs greater than 155 hr-mgL-1 at both 10 and 20°C. Resulting combination treatments with initial dose rates of 96 and 40 mgL-1 at 10°C and 80 and 40 mgL-1 at 20°C are proposed for SF and PPO, respectively. These combination treatments utilize SF's efficacy against the larval stage along with PPO's superior ovicidal properties to provide enhanced treatment efficacy over each product alone against all life stages of khapra beetle.

Trapping Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Other Beetles in Flourmills: Evaluating Fumigation Efficacy and Estimating Population Density.

This paper reports beetle pests common to flourmills targeted during a series of trapping studies over a two-year period in flourmill 1 and a one year period in flourmill 2. Objectives were (1) use pheromone-baited traps to detect T. castaneum (Herbst) and other pest species present for their distribution over space and time, (2) monitor T. castaneum activity before and after fumigations to assess efficacy of the treatment, and (3) correlate counts of T. castaneum via trap capture against direct T. castaneum counts from samples of the milled flour to assess the value of trap data to estimate relative size of the pest population. Traps were deployed in two different flourmills over two consecutive years. T. castaneum was the most commonly trapped beetle during both years in mill 1. In mill 2, Typhaea stercorea (L.) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) were both captured in higher numbers than T. castaneum. In mill 1, trap capture was higher overall during Year 2 for most of the species compared with capture during Year 1, likely due to a dust cover modification made for the pitfall trap used in Year 2. Trap capture was also evaluated by location within the mills and a significant difference was found in the capture of T. stercorea during both years in mill 1. T. castaneum captures were significantly reduced following most fumigations, which used methyl bromide in milling areas and phosphine in bulk-stored finished flour. However, in most cases trap catches showed that beetle populations were not eliminated. Trap captures after fumigation suggest either that the fumigations were not entirely effective, or that full grown adult beetles were entering the mill soon after fumigation. When captures of T. castaneum from traps in two spaces of mill 1 during Year 2 were compared with counts of beetles from samples of siftings collected in the finished flour, the correlation coefficients were nearly significant for both sets of traps.

Ethyl Formate as a Methyl Bromide Alternative for Phytosanitary Disinfestation of Imported Banana in Korea With Logistical Considerations.

Methyl bromide (MB) use for quarantine and phytosanitary purposes is being phased out. Several effective MB alternatives have been identified depending on the target system. Industry commitment for the shift to new technologies will depend not only on the efficacy of alternatives but also on their compatibility and integrability into existing operations. We compared the efficacy of MB and ethyl formate (EF) for disinfestation of Planococcus citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) as a representative surface pest on banana and evaluated whether EF fumigation is compatible with the current packaging materials and loading ratio used by the South Korean banana import industry. Fumigation trials with P. citri adults and eggs showed that EF was at least as effective as MB at the EF and MB concentrations recommended under the current phytosanitary disinfestation guidelines. From a logistical standpoint, EF gas could not effectively penetrate plastic bagging typically used in banana cartons during commercial shipping. Also, EF sorption to bananas and packing materials (used as cushioning inside bagging) further lowered realized EF concentrations around bananas. These reductions in EF concentration translated into reduced mortality of P. citri eggs, indicating that despite similar efficacy of MB and EF for controlling P. citri, further consideration and optimization of other industry logistics such as packaging and loading ratio is necessary to enhance the adoption of this MB alternative.