Author: Mahroof, Rizana M.

Source: Stewart Postharvest Review, Volume 3, Number 6, December 2007 , pp. 1-7(7)

Publisher: Stewart Postharvest Solutions

Abstract:

Purpose of the review: This review describes methods for successful application of heat treatment to manage stored-product insect pests in food-processing facilities and distinguishes between structural and commodity heat treatments. It also discusses stage-specific susceptibility of insects to elevated temperatures, effects of elevated temperatures on insect development, survival and reproduction, and mechanisms of heat tolerance. Further, the review identifies many research needs in this area. The information and useful citations presented in this review provide substantial knowledge about structural heat treatments.

Findings and limitations: Methyl bromide, a fumigant traditionally used as a space fumigant for insect management, is an ozone depleter that has been phased out in the USA and elsewhere. The use of elevated temperatures, or heat treatment, is gaining popularity as a methyl bromide alternative. Heat treatment involves raising the ambient temperature of a facility to 50-60^oC and holding these temperatures for 24-36 h. The major challenge with heat treatment is non-uniform distribution of the heated air caused by temperatures stratifying both horizontally and vertically within the heated facility. Thus, some portions of the facility may be over-heated (>60^oC), resulting in inefficient use of the generated heat, whereas other portions may be under-heated (<50^oC), resulting in survival of the targeted insects.

Keywords: SPACE HEAT TREATMENT; METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVE; HEAT TOLERANCE; INSECT MANAGEMENT; FOOD PROCESSING FACILITIES; STORED PRODUCT PESTS

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2212/spr.2007.6.8

Publication date: 2007-12-01

More about this publication?

• Stewart Postharvest Review is published bi-monthly and covers a wide range of topics in various areas of postharvest biology and technology.
  
  Stewart Postharvest Solutions is pleased to offer you a Free Trial to Stewart Postharvest Review. Individuals receive a free 30 day trial and institutions receive a free 3 month trial to Stewart Postharvest Review - Access to volume 2 only
  
  To take advantage of this offer just sign in with your administrator details and click on the "Sign up for a free trial" link below.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Terms & Conditions
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Botany ,  Chemistry
• By this author: Mahroof, Rizana M.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers