Phosphine as a replacement for methyl bromide for postharvest disinfestation of citrus

Abstract

Methyl bromide is the only fumigant registered for disinfestation of citrus in Australia. However, it has been identified as an ozone-depleting chemical and its use is being restricted in accordance with an international agreement. The only alternative to a 2-h methyl bromide fumigation is cold treatment at 1°C for 16 days, and a more rapid alternative is desirable. The phosphine cylinder gas formulation ECO2FUME (phosphine with CO2 as a carrier gas) was recently registered for 15-h fumigation of cut flowers. This treatment was used as a basis for experimental fumigations of oranges infested with larvae of Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni in a 900-1 chamber. Uninfested oranges were in..