Gases and engineering company BOC has today announced that its alternate post-harvest fumigant VAPORMATE^® is now available for use in the citrus industry after receiving approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

 
Chris Dolman, BOC Business Manager Analytical explains VAPORMATE^® is a solution that offers citrus growers an alternate fumigant that has lower environmental impact than other commonly used fumigants, with shorter venting windows and zero impact on product quality or post-treatment shelf life. 

“After successful uptake in the table grape and summer fruit industries, we are thrilled to offer our VAPORMATE^® solution to the citrus industry ahead of the Australian citrus season,” said Mr Dolman.   “The active ingredient ethyl formate has a lower environmental impact compared to other fumigants as it degrades into metabolites which occur naturally in the environment.” 

Citrus exporters using VAPORMATE^® will be able to meet strict exporting regulations including the control of common insect pests such as bean thrips, California red scale, citrus mealy bug, fuller’s rose weevil, light brown apple moth and long tailed mealy bug.  

“Exporters will also benefit from the high threshold limit value of VAPORMATE^® which is 100 parts per million (ppm) for an eight-hour working period. This means the shipping container can be ventilated quickly after treatment which reduces the waiting time at the citrus farm or at port for export,” added Mr Dolman.  

BOC’s expert engineers and entomologists are available to talk with citrus growers about the VAPORMATE^® solution. For more information email Swaminathan.Thalavaisundaram@boc.com.