EFFECT OF POST-HARVEST CARBON DIOXIDE APPLICATION ON STORAGE PESTS AND FRUIT QUALITY OF DRIED FIGS

In Turkey, methyl bromide (MB), a fumigant used widely in controlling storage pests of dried figs was banned by January 1, 2007 leading to continuous search for alternatives especially for the dried fruit sector. The present experiments were designed to test the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) at atmospheric pressure (94 % CO2 for 7 days in gas-tight cubes) and under high pressure (2, 3 and 5 h at 20 bars and 98% CO2) on major storage pests (Ephestia cautella and Carpoglyphus lactis) of dried figs. CO2 concentrations, temperature ( o C) and relative humidity (%) values were monitored during treatments. Comparisons were made with control fruit treated with MB (60 g.m -3 for 24 h). Dried fig quality was assessed after the treatments and after 2.5 months of storage at ambient conditions. All tested CO2 treatments controlled both of the tested pest species and had no negative effect on dried fig quality. Among tested treatments, high pressure application of CO2 required high investment cost however was effective even at very short exposure periods as 2 h. CO2 application in gas-tight cubes was recommended as a low-cost alternative despite its longer exposure requirement. CO2 fumigation is allowed in organic certification systems and thus can be recommended for organic dried figs and other fruit and nuts that have a high demand in the organic market.