Control of Fruit Fly Infestations in Fresh Fruit

Tests to dsstroy fruit fly infestations in some fruits as guava, ber, mango and cucurbits with ethylene dibromide in earthen pots as the fumigation chambers are described. Tt is shown that in earthen pots sealed with mud, I lb./1000 c. ft. of liquid ethylene dibromide kept on top of the fruit effects complete mortalities of different stages of the commonly occurring species of the fly in India, in 6 hours. A lower dose of ½ lb./l000 c. ft. gives similar result on 12 hours exposure. The fruits did not have any effect on appearance, flavour or taste as a result of the fumigation. For routine use introduction of ethylene dibromide vapours instead of liquid, in the pot is suggested and a simple arrangement found suitable, illustrated.