Effects of nitric oxide fumigation on mortality of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Authors: Liu, Yong Biao; SIMMONS, GREGORY - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Submitted to: Agricultural Sciences
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/14/2021
Publication Date: 11/17/2021
Citation: Liu, Y.B., Simmons, G.S. 2021. Effects of nitric oxide fumigation on mortality of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Agricultural Sciences. 12(11):1286-1294. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2021.1211082.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2021.1211082

Interpretive Summary: Light brown apple moth (LBAM) has established in California and could become a pest. Because LBAM has very broad host range and is quarantined in most countries, it has potential to affect export of fresh products from infested areas. Currently, phosphine is a major fumigant against postharvest pests on fresh products. But phosphine fumigation is not effective against LBAM eggs. In this study, nitric oxide (NO) fumigation was studied to determine its efficacy against LBAM at different life stages. In small scale laboratory fumigations at a low temperature, NO fumigation was effective against all of the life stages tested including larva, pupa, and egg. Complete control of larvae and pupae was achieved in 8 h fumigation with 2.0% NO. Eggs were successfully controlled in 6, 12, and 24 h fumigations with 5.0, 3.0, and 2.0% NO respectively. The study demonstrated that nitric oxide fumigation has potential to be an alternative treatment for postharvest control of light brown apple moth.

Technical Abstract: Light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana, is a quarantine pest in most countries and is established in California potentially affecting export of fresh products from infested areas. There is currently a lack of effective treatments for E. postvittana, especially against eggs. Nitric oxide fumigation was studied to determine its efficacy against different life stages of this pest, including the eggs. Small scale nitric oxide fumigation experiments were conducted in 1.9 L jars under ultralow oxygen conditions at a low storage temperature of 2°C. Complete control of larvae and pupae was achieved in 8 h fumigation with 2.0% NO. Eggs were rendered nonviable in 6, 12, and 24 h fumigation treatments with 5.0, 3.0, and 2.0% NO, respectively. The study demonstrated that nitric oxide fumigation was effective against all life stages of light brown apple moth and, therefore, has potential to be an alternative treatment to methyl bromide fumigation for postharvest control of light brown apple moth.