DPIRD researchers unveil new, cheap treatment method for mango fruit fly infection

A team of researchers has revealed new, cost-effective and protocol-friendly treatments for fruit fly disinfection in mangos.

The research, conducted by the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development, found that two varieties of mangoes responded well to hot water treatment, a common and extensively used way of disinfecting other vegetables and fruits.

The hot water treatment is hindered in mangoes as it scalds the skin, compromising the fruit’s quality and value.

Two years of trials were held at DPIRD’s Frank Wise Agricultural Research Institute in Kununurra, where research scientist Tara Slaven found two mango varieties, well know expert mango R2E2 and a new yet-to-be-named line NMBP-4069, responded well to hot water treatments and produced no damage.

“NMBP-4069 proved to be the more versatile variety, with two preconditioning treatments responding well,” Ms Slaven said.

“This included six hours preconditioning at 34.8C, prior to hot water treatment of 46C for 20 minutes, as well as 24-hour preconditioning at 34.8C, before a 15-minute hot water treatment at 47C.

“R2E2 also performed well under preconditioning of 42C, for six hours when treated at 46C for 20 minutes.”

Ms Slaven said these results proved there were alternative disinfestation options which would lower infrastructure costs and irradiation for mango growers and packing houses.

“The trial has shown that preconditioning these mango varieties at ambient Kimberley temperatures could be a useful, cost effective, efficient system to disinfest mangoes without scalding the skin,” Ms Slaven said.

“The process still needs refinement, including examining how to keep the water temperature constant, whether the process can be adopted in other environments, like Carnarvon, and examining the potential to scale up for automation.”

The trial results are being shared with stakeholders international.