The potential of ethyl formate carbon dioxide to control a range of horticultural pests

Abstract

Ethyl formate (EF) is a generally recognised as safe (GRAS) compound that can be applied as a fumigant to disinfest fresh produce This paper reports initial research to determine the dose responses of various pests to ethyl formatecarbon dioxide treatment during 1 2 3 and 4h treatments at ambient temperatures between 18 and 23C Thrips (mixtures of Thrips tabaci and Frankliniella occidentalis) on lupin flowers obscure mealybugs (Pseudococcus viburni) on potatoes and greedy scale (Hemiberlesia rapax) on potatoes were more susceptible than either lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana) eggs on plastic and fifth instar larvae on apples or codling moth (Cydia pomonella) second/ third instars and fifth instars on apples Further efficacy studies are warranted to investigate the commercial viability of EFCO2 treatment of fresh produce against other pests effects on fruit quality and commercial application logistics