2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Determine the effects of radio frequency (RF) heating on egg and larval mortality of fruit flies of economic importance in Hawaii that limit exports of tropical fruits to US mainland and foreign markets; and the effects of radio frequency treatments on tropical fruit quality. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Mediterranean fruit fly, Oriental fruit fly, melon fly, and Mexican fruit fly will be reared and the most heat-tolerant life stage (to be determined by thermomortality studies in progress with the eggs, first instars, second instars, and feeding and non-feeding third instars presently in progress) will be subjected in vitro and in situ to selected time and temperature combinations using a Strayfield RF generator. Carambola, litchi, longan, papaya, and other tropical fruits will be subjected to selected time and temperature combinations using the RF generator to determine the effects of RF heating on fruit quality and shelf life. If succesful, RF quarantine treatment will be develope against potential fruit fly infestations in exported tropical fruits. Documents Reimbursable with WSU. Log 26390. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between USDA-ARS, U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center and Washington State University. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 5320-43000-014-00D, Postharvest Treatment of Tropical Commodities for Quarantine Security, Quality Maintenance, and Value Enhancement. This research investigates the use of radio frequency energy to control fruit fly pests in tropical fruit as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation and is directly related to Subordinated Project 5320-43000-014-06R. The SCA subcontracts research by ARS to develop thermal mortality parameters for killing four species of tephritid fruit flies in tropical fruits that provide quarantine security while maintaining fruit quality and shelf life. The lack of space to house the a Strayfield radio frequency treatment unit has delayed initiation of research as until the completion of construction of the new Center or acquisition of appropriate commercial space in which to accomplish the research. The ADODR monitors progress through direct supervision of the research project and through participation in research activities.