Ethyl Formate: A Potential Disinfestation Treatment for Eucalyptus Weevil (Gonipterus platensis) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Apples

Abstract

Export of Pink Lady apples from Australia has been significantly affected by infestations of adult eucalyptus weevils (Gonipterus platensis Marelli). These weevils cling tenaciously to the pedicel of apple fruit when selecting overwintering sites. As a result, apples infested with live G. platensis adults lead to rejection for export. Since the Montreal Protocol restricted use of methyl bromide as postharvest treatment, it was necessary to consider alternative safer fumigants for disinfestation of eucalyptus weevil. Laboratory experiments were conducted using concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 80 mg/liter of ethyl formate. Complete control (100% mortality) was achieved at 25-30 mg/liter of ethyl formate at 22-24 C for 24-h exposure without apples. However, with 90-95% of the volume full of apples, complete control was achieved at 40 mg/liter of ethyl formate at 22-24 C for 24-h exposure. No phytotoxicity was observed and after one day aeration, residue of ethyl formate declined to natural levels (0.05-0.2 mg/kg). Five ethyl formate field trials were conducted in cool storages (capacity from 250-900 tons) and 100% kill of eucalyptus weevils were achieved at 50-55 mg/liter at 7-10 C for 24 h. Ethyl formate has great potential for preshipment treatment of apples. Its use is considerably cheaper and safer than already existing fumigants like methyl bromide and phosphine.

Making Levulinic Acid and Ethyl Levulinate Economically Viable: A Worldwide Technoeconomic and Environmental Assessment of Possible Routes

“…Studies also showed that the silage fermentation process was improved when formic acid was added to silage . In Australia (AUS), ethyl formate, a derivative of formic acid, is registered for use for the disinfestation of dried fruits, and studies demonstrated that 100 % mortality of adult weevils in apples could be achieved by using ethyl formate, without negatively impacting on the quality or shelf life of the apples . Unlike other pesticides, ethyl formate effectively kills insects, but quickly breaks down to naturally occurring products that are not harmful when ingested in reasonable quantities …”

Concurrent application of ethyl formate and 1‐methylcyclopropene to control Tetranychus urticae on exported sweet persimmons (Diospyros kaki Thunb. ‘Fuyu’)

“…The mixture can be applied to apples intended for export in Australia, in order to eradicate the eucalyptus weevil Gonipterus platensis (Agarwal et al . ). An EF application mixed with phosphine gas was also evaluated by Lee et al .…”

“…Recently, a method has been developed for applying liquid EF with nitrogen gas by using a special vaporizer. The mixture can be applied to apples intended for export in Australia, in order to eradicate the eucalyptus weevil Gonipterus platensis (Agarwal et al 2015). An EF application mixed with phosphine gas was also evaluated by for controlling Aphis gossypii.…”

Evaluation of Ethyl Formate, Phosphine, and Their Combination to Disinfest Harvested Celery against Purple Scum Springtails

“…Fumigation of the growing equipment used in a mushroom culture can prevent invading purple scum springtails and other species from damaging crops ( and Clift, 2004;Greenslade and Ireson, 1986;Greenslade et al, 2014). Ethyl formate is a naturally occurring compound that has been evaluated as a fumigant for stored grain, fruit, and vegetable applications and has been commercially adopted because of its valuable characteristics of rapid kill and consumer safety (Agarwal et al, 2015;Kim et al, 2013;Ren and Mahon, 2006;Ren et al, 2008). However, EF is highly absorbed in products such as strawberries (Fragaria •ananassa), apples (Malus •domestica), and several types of cut flowers because of their high moisture content and because EF is highly soluble in the water (Agarwal et al, 2015;Lee et al, 2013;Simpson et al, 2004).…”

“…Ethyl formate is a naturally occurring compound that has been evaluated as a fumigant for stored grain, fruit, and vegetable applications and has been commercially adopted because of its valuable characteristics of rapid kill and consumer safety (Agarwal et al, 2015;Kim et al, 2013;Ren and Mahon, 2006;Ren et al, 2008). However, EF is highly absorbed in products such as strawberries (Fragaria •ananassa), apples (Malus •domestica), and several types of cut flowers because of their high moisture content and because EF is highly soluble in the water (Agarwal et al, 2015;Lee et al, 2013;Simpson et al, 2004). Some studies (Tarr et al, 2007) indicated that EF, as well as EF in combination with 10% carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), could be used for control of sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) and confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) on dry vine fruit.…”