ARS | Publication request: POSTHARVEST ENTOMOLOGY RESEARCH

Submitted to: Pest Management Science
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: November 26, 2002
Publication Date: June 1, 2003
Citation: THRONE,J.E., HALLMAN,G.J., JOHNSON,J.A., FOLLETT,P.A., POSTHARVEST ENTOMOLOGY RESEARCH, PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 59: 619-628. 2003.

Technical Abstract: This is a review of current postharvest entomology research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service, the research branch of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The review covers both durable and perishable commodities. Research on biochemistry, genetics, physiology, monitoring, and control of insects infesting stored grain, dried fruits and nuts, and processed commodities is reviewed. Research on development of quarantine treatments, particularly for fruit flies, is also reviewed, including research on thermal and irradiation treatments and a discussion of risk management for quarantine pests. Two areas of research are covered more extensively: a project to map the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum; and the use of near-infrared spectroscopy for detection of hidden infestations in grain, quantification of insect fragments in food, determination of quality in dried fruits, identification of insect species, ,and age-grading insects. Future research directions are identified.