Waterblasting avocados to remove leafroller eggs

Abstract

The potential for highpressure waterblasting to remove leafroller egg rafts from the surface of Hass avocados after harvest was investigated Water pressures from 400 to 1000 psi were tested Pressures of 800 and 1000 psi removed 96999 of greenheaded leafroller (Planotortrix octo) egg rafts in two consecutive seasons Equal numbers of brownheaded leafroller (Ctenopseustis obliquana) egg rafts were also removed at pressures of 800 psi Natural infestations of thrips mites and leafroller larvae were completely removed at pressures from 400 to 1000 psi but armoured scale pests remained on the fruit Waterblasted fruit met current industry quality standards