Extreme cold temperature to kill blueberry maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) in reusable containers

J Econ Entomol. 2014 Jun;107(3):906-9. doi: 10.1603/ec13524.

Abstract

Pupae of the blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae), were subjected to -20 degrees C for 2, 4, 7, 10, and 15 d (control = 0 d at 4 degrees C) in fall 2011 and 2012 and were allowed to overwinter for at least 181 d at 4 degrees C. Mean adult emergence in the control was 64% in 2012 and 39% in 2013. No adults emerged in May 2012 from 500 pupae treated for > 2 d at -20 degrees C in fall 2011. Two adults emerged in May 2013 from 100 pupae treated for 2 d at -20 degrees C in fall 2012. No adults emerged in May 2013 from 400 pupae subjected to -20 degrees C for durations of 4, 7, 10, and 15 d. No adults emerged from larvae concealed in berries subjected to -20 degrees C for > 2 d. Exposure of larvae and pupae to cold temperatures (i.e., -20 degrees C) for > 2 d can be a valuable nonpesticidal method for killing R. mendax larvae and pupae associated with reusable containers.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blueberry Plants*
  • Canada
  • Cold Temperature
  • Food Packaging*
  • Insect Control / methods*
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Larva / physiology
  • Mortality
  • Pupa / growth & development
  • Pupa / physiology
  • Seasons
  • Tephritidae / growth & development
  • Tephritidae / physiology*