Completed project
In-line approaches to control surface pests of concern from export citrus (CT13010)
Publication date: March 14, 2016
Delivery Partner: The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research
Fuller’s rose weevil (FRW) egg detections continue to limit access for Australian citrus exports to several Asian markets and remain a key concern for growers and industry generally.
This project investigated and evaluated control and management tactics for FRW with the aim of expanding the sector’s export opportunities.
High pressure washing has the potential to decrease infestation rates in fruit by removing egg masses but, while Australian pack houses use standard washing systems, their performance varies substantially. Two options in use overseas are new generation high pressure washing machines used in New Zealand and dips for fruit used in the USA.
This project had three main objectives including to…
The project’s research yielded several recommendations, including that citrus pack houses use the procedures set out in the Best-practice user manual for citrus high pressure washers to improve pest removal.
New pack house washing systems should be rotating systems for best removal of FRW eggs and other post-harvest pests.
Download the 2015 edition of the Best-practice user manual for citrus high pressure washers.
This project was a strategic levy investment in the Hort Innovation Citrus Fund
© 2026 Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited.
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