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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wapato, Washington » Temperate Tree Fruit and Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #205284
Title: Infrared Detection of Internal Feeders of Deciduous Tree Fruits

Author
item Hansen, James D
item CARLTON, RICHARD - WEST COAST INFRARED
item ADAMS, STEVE - WEST COAST INFRARED
item Lacey, Lawrence

Submitted to: Journal of Entomological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2007
Publication Date: 1/31/2008
Citation: Hansen, J., Carlton, R., Adams, S., Lacey, L.A. 2008. Infrared Detection of Internal Feeders of Deciduous Tree Fruits. Journal of Entomological Science (43)1:52-56.

Interpretive Summary: The tree fruit industry desires a rapid automated method on the packing line that will recognize apples infested with codling moth. Researchers at the Yakima Agricultural Research Laboratory (Wapato, WA), in collaboration with West Coast Infrared (Kennewick, WA), examined the use of infrared thermoimaging to detect codling moth infested apples. Infested fruits were successfully identified with this visual process. Because the images are digital, computer-controlled fruit sorting may be possible under current packing house conditions.

Technical Abstract: Codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a worldwide pest of apple and pear. Due to the severity of codling moth in agroecosystems, it is a quarantine pest in countries where it is not considered an established species. Detection of codling moth infestations in exports intended for these countries is crucial to the U. S. apple industry. Tests were conducted on infrared thermoimaging that demonstrate detection of infestation by codling moth larvae, in apples. The system is dependent on subtle but significant differences in surface temperature between infested or entry sites and nearby uninfested sites. Because the imaging data are digital, computer programs can be used to rapidly and effectively sort infested fruits from the packing line.