Comparison of fumigation efficacy of methyl bromide alone and phosphine applied either alone or simultaneously or sequentially against Bactrocera correcta in Selenicereus undatus (red pitaya) fruit.

BACKGROUND

Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) is a significant pest of the red pitaya fruit (Selenicereus undatus). This study investigated the insecticidal effects of methyl bromide (MB) alone, phosphine (PH ) alone, both applied simultaneously (PH  + MB), and PH application followed sequentially by MB (PH  → MB) against B. correcta in red pitaya fruits.

RESULTS

The 3 instar larvae of B. correcta were the most tolerant to MB alone and the combined treatments, whereas eggs were the most susceptible stage. Both the PH  + MB and PH  → MB treatments resulted in higher mortality at all stages than MB alone, demonstrating a synergistic effect between MB and PH . The toxicity of the combined treatments increased with increasing PH concentrations, with the optimal concentration recorded being 1.42 to 2.84 g m . Further probit analysis revealed that compared to the MB treatment alone, the median lethal dose values of MB in PH  + MB and PH  → MB treatment, were reduced to 63.73% and 66.82%, respectively. Fruit quality was not adversely affected by either of the combined treatments.

CONCLUSION

This work provides robust evidence that combining MB and PH to control B. correcta is highly effective, especially the PH  → MB treatment. This combination decreased the amount of MB required for effective control at all life stages, while protecting fruit quality against MB phytotoxicity to a greater extent than conventional MB fumigation alone. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.