Postharvest treatment of mandarin fruit using a combination of methyl bromide and phosphine against Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

BACKGROUND: ) and MB were conducted to disinfest B. dorsalis. The effect of combined fumigation on postharvest quality of Nanfeng mandarin fruit was then evaluated. RESULTS: , similar mortality was achieved with 50% of the MB required when applied alone. Furthermore, the fruit quality test showed that MB fumigation resulted in a higher respiration rate and >40% fruit rot after storage. The combined treatment reduced these effects and did not have adverse effects on fruit firmness, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, or vitamin C content. CONCLUSION: and MB and indicate that this treatment has potential as a novel strategy for postharvest control of B. dorsalis, especially in MB-sensitive fruit.