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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Hilo, Hawaii » Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center » Tropical Crop and Commodity Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #317494

Title: Irradiating insect pests

Author
item Follett, Peter

Submitted to: International Innovation
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2015
Publication Date: 6/10/2015
Citation: Follett, P.A. 2015. Irradiating insect pests. International Innovation. p. 53-55.

Interpretive Summary: In a series of interview questions, I present information on the scope of the invasive species problem and the contribution of international trade in agricultural products to the movement of invasive insects, followed by a discussion of use of postharvest quarantine treatments, especially irradiation, to prevent the spread of pests. Research into new and improved irradiation quarantine treatments and issues for the expanded use of phytosanitary irradiation are covered.

Technical Abstract: This is a non-technical article focusing on phytosanitary uses of irradiation. In a series of interview questions, I present information on the scope of the invasive species problem and the contribution of international trade in agricultural products to the movement of invasive insects. This is followed by a discussion of use of postharvest quarantine treatments, especially irradiation, to prevent the spread of pests. Research into new and improved irradiation quarantine treatments and issues for the expanded use of phytosanitary irradiation are addressed.