Location: Commodity Protection and Quality Research
Project Number: 2034-43000-043-038-T
Project Type: Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2021
End Date: Apr 30, 2025
Objective:
Conduct postharvest research to demonstrate the control of insect pests that threaten the export of California table grapes.
Approach:
Utilize a cooperative effort between USDA-ARS, USDA-APHIS, California industry, and foreign counterparts to address pest-related barriers to export. Particular attention will be paid to the expansion and retention of export markets. Pests will be targeted with novel postharvest techniques including, but not limited to methyl bromide fumigation. In general the approach involves exploratory efficacy studies, confirmatory evaluation, validation, and commercial testing when relevant. The current amendment, supporting 2021-22 objectives, will focus on pink hibiscus mealybug and ozone as an organic treatment option for exports to Australia.
