Low temperature storage combined with sulfur dioxide slow release pads for quarantine control of omnivorous leafroller Platynota stultana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract

Low temperature storage combined with sulfur dioxide slow release pads caused 100% mortality of omnivorous leafroller, Platynota stultana Walshingham, 2nd instar (the least Susceptible stage to low temperature storage) after 3 wk of exposure in table grapes, Vitis vinifera L. Temperatures in packed grape clusters decreased from ambient to 2°C within ≃2 d after placement in storage. Sulfur dioxide concentrations in the grape clusters ranged between 0.2 and 1.0 ppm during the 1- to 6-wk storage period. The combination treatment incorporates existing packinghouse facilities and has potential to be used as an alternative to chemical fumigants such as methyl bromide to control pests of regulatory concern in exported table grapes.