The Use of Controlled Atmospheres at High Temperature to Control Fruit Flies (Anastrepha ludens and A. obliqua) and Their Effect on Mango Quality

Controlled atmospheres at > 40°C and 50% RH for > 160 min increased the mortality of the different stages of Anastrepha ludens and A. obliqua. The in vivo morality was faster than the in vitro mortality. Eggs were more tolerant than other stages of the insect. A. obliqua is slightly more tolerant than A. ludens. The mean estimated temperatures for 50%, 99%, and 99.9968% in vitro mortality (LT₅₀S, LT₉₉S, and LT₉₉₉₉₆₈S) of eggs of A. obliqua exposed to 0 kPa O₂ + 50 kPa CO₂ at 51, 54 and 55°C for 240 min were 49.4, 54.8 and 60.9°C, respectively. ‘Manila’ mango fruit can tolerate these CA treatments at < 44°C for 160 min, but fruit is injured at higher temperatures.