Low-temperature storage as a quarantine treatment for table grapes infested with queensland fruit fly (bactrocera tryoni froggatt)

Abstract

‘Thompson’s Seedless’ (‘Sultana’), ‘Ruby Seedless’, and ‘Flame Seedless’ table grapes were artificially infested with immature lifestages of Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt, Queensland fruit fly (Tephritidae), and stored at 1°C. Dose-mortality data for eggs and first, second, and third instars were compared following cold storage of infested fruit for up to 10 days. First instar larvae were the most cold- tolerant lifestage in each of the three grape cultivars. When more than 30 000 B. tryoni first instar larvae were treated in each of the three grape cultivars, none survived to pupation following storage at 1°C for 12 days. These data have been collected in accordance with the Japanese experimental protocol required when applications are made for importation of foreign produce into Japan. The results will support an approach to the Japanese Government to lift quarantine bans imposed because of possible infestation by Queensland fruit fly in Australian ‘Thompson Seedless’ (‘Sultana’), ‘Ruby Seedless’, and ‘Flame Seedless’ grapes. © 1992 The Royal Society of New Zealand.