Evaluation of Controlled Atmoshphere Anoxia Treatments as a Potential Disinfection Technique for Thrips and Mites in Greenhouses
CONTROLLED ATMOSPHERE TECHNOLOGY LEAVES PLANT PESTS BREATHLESS
Postharvest professionals have long used controlled atmosphere
technology to rid fruits, vegetables, and grains of pests prior to storage.
The produce is placed in an airtight chamber in which concentrations of
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen are artfully mixed to make the atmosphere
toxic to pests. Despite the technology’s availability, little work has
been done with it in floriculture — until recently. With The Endowment’s
support, entomologist Dr. Daniel Potter is putting a newly built, controlled
atmosphere system (installed at the University of Kentucky) through its
paces for ornamentals’ sakes. Potter focused first on finding gas concentrations
lethal to spider mites. Now, aphids and thrips are on the block. Once lethal
treatments for the insects are determined, the investigator plans to begin
screening popular bedding plant cultivars to make sure the plants remain
healthy despite a controlled-atmosphere delousing. Growers and shippers,
who might easily outfit truck trailers with the technology, will want to
watch for published results of Potter’s work.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT RESEARCH-PROJECT LEADER:
Dr. Daniel Potter, Entomologist, University of Kentucky
E-MAIL: <dapotter@ca.uky.edu>
