Evaluation of a high-pressure washer for postharvest removal of California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) from citrus fruit
1996
Walker, G.P. | Morse, J.G. | Arpaia, M.L.
A device for removing California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), from citrus fruit as a postharvest treatment in the packinghouse was evaluated. The device subjects fruit to high-pressure water sprays that physically dislodge red scale from the fruit. Different pressures and different durations of treatment were compared for efficacy in removing red scale from navel oranges. The washer removed up to 98% of the scale on the fruit, and was equally effective in removing either live or dead scale. The primary economic damage of red scale on citrus is cosmetic injury caused by scale being present on the fruit, and the washer is an effective nonchemical method for reducing this injury. Adoption of this commercially available device by the California citrus industry may increase the economic threshold for red scale.
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