Peru has moved a step closer to gaining access for its citrus to the Japanese market following the completion of test to evaluate the effects on cold treatment on Satsumas.
A report in Gestion.pe said the tests carried out by Peru’s agricultural health service Senasa confirmed that the quarantine treatment is effective in killing Mediterranean fruit fly if fruit. During the trials, fruit was subjected to two different protocols – cold treatment at a temperature of 2.1oC for 18 days, and treatment at 3oC for 23 days – both of which eliminated 100 per cent of fruit fly larvae.
Senasa will send its findings to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture where they will be analysed, corroborated and incorporated into a new proposal.
The tests, which were financed by Peruvian citrus producer association ProCitrus, mark the latest stage in a process initiated in 2009 under an agreement between the two countries to work towards lifting restrictions on imports of Peruvian citrus into Japan.
ProCitrus president Sergio del Castillo told Fruitnet that this could happen by 2015. 'We are undertaking similar tests for other citrus vraieties and are confident that the outcome will be as positive as with Satsumas,' he said.
It is hoped the Asian country will become an important market for Peruvian easy peelers, including Satsumas, clementines and Murcott, as well as Minneolas and Lanelate and Washington Navel oranges.
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