Forced hot-air quarantine treatment for mangoes infested with West Indian fruit fly (Diptera : Trephritidae)

Quarantine efficacy for mangoes against the West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), was demonstrated using a forced hot-air system. Extrapolation from the probit model fitted to preliminary experimental data indicated a 99.9968% mortality at pulp temperature of 48.1 degree C. The probit analysis showed that goodness-of-fit was poor, but that this was caused by large errors at the lower temperatures rather than systematic departure from the model. Consumer panels, in the laboratory and made up of the public, found no difference in taste, odor, or overall acceptability but frequently judged treated mangoes superior to controls for appearance factors. Position of mangoes in the chamber was frequently a significant factor in panel ratings. More even heat distribution by such means as a reversible fan system may decrease this variation.