Microwave disinfection of dates
A fruit disinfection process and system.
Date exporting countries conventionally fumigate their product with methyl bromide before export to the European Union. However, the gas is toxic to both humans and the environment, and Europe announced a ban on its use in 2005. CIRAD has developed a replacement heat treatment that microwaves the fruit at 65°C for three minutes, destroying date pyralid eggs and larvae.
Main advantages
- Replaces methyl bromide.
- Very rapid disinfection.
- Dates free from phytosanitary product residues.
Intellectual rights
Patented process.
Partnership kind
Cirad is looking for dried fruit producers and packers interested in using the process.