HIGH PRESSURE WASHING AND ORGANOSILICONES

Authors: Neven, Lisa

Submitted to: Good Fruit Grower
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/10/2004
Publication Date: 12/1/2004
Citation: Neven, L.G. 2004. High pressure washing and organosilicones. Good Fruit Grower. 55(17):57.

Interpretive Summary: The presence of arthropods and arthropod eggs on the surface of pears and apples often distrupts trade of these fruits. High pressure washing systems, which are used for sanitizing the fruit, have been shown to be a source of the spread of decay during the packing process. Researchers at the USDA-ARS, Wapato, WA, joined with scientists at the Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center of Oregon State University at Hood River, OR, to determine the impact of a modified high pressure washing system in conjunction with organosilicone dips on arthropod removal, fruit quality, and decay on pears. Researchers at the USDA-ARS, Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory, Wapato, WA, investigated the effects of high pressure washing, water temperatures, and organosilicone dips on the removal of arthropods and eggs from the fruit surface. Researchers at OSU in Hood River investigated the impact of high pressure washing, water temperatures, and organosilicone dips on fruit quality and decay. We found that high pressure washing was the most significant component in removal of arthropods from the fruit surface. We also found that spray pressures up to 120 psi had no deleterious effect on fruit quality. Most importantly, we found that the addition of a heated contact loop was critical in preventing the spread of decay in the high pressure washing system. This research demonstrates that high pressure washing systems can be employed in fruit packing lines with little risk of spreading decay throughout the load and provide an additional level of pest control.

Technical Abstract: High pressure washing with a heated contact loop was found to be extremely effective in removing surface arthropods and eggs and in reducing the spread of decay while maintaining fruit quality. Organosilicones were more effective in aiding in the removal of surface arthropods and will most likely be the focus of further research to optimize formulations, concentrations, and duration of exposure.