Project Number: 5320-43000-014-11
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2005
End Date: Aug 31, 2009

Objective:
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.

Approach:
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.