Interactions between controlled atmospheres and low temperature tolerance : a review of biochemical mechanisms

Date
2011-12-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers Media
Abstract
Controlled atmosphere treatments using carbon dioxide, oxygen, and/or nitrogen, together with controlled temperature and humidity, form an important method for post-harvest sterilization against insect-infested fruit. However, in insects, the cross tolerance and biochemical interactions between the various stresses of modified gas conditions and low temperature may either elicit or block standard stress responses which can potentiate (or limit) lethal low temperature exposure. Thus, the success of such treatments is sometimes erratic and does not always result in the desired pest mortality. This review focuses on the biochemical modes of action whereby controlled atmospheres affect insects low temperature tolerance, making them more (or occasionally, less) susceptible to cold sterilization. Insights into the integrated biochemical modes of action may be used together with the pests’ low temperature tolerance physiology to determine which treatments may be of value in post-harvest sterilization.
Description
CITATION: Boardman, L., Sorensen, J. G., Johnson, S. A. & Terblanche, J. S. 2011. Interactions between controlled atmospheres and low temperature tolerance : a review of biochemical mechanisms. Frontiers in Physiology, 2, art. 92, doi:10.3389/fphys.2011.00092.
The original publication is available at http://journal.frontiersin.org
Keywords
Food storage pests -- Control, Insect pests -- Effect of temperature on
Citation
Boardman, L., Sorensen, J. G., Johnson, S. A. & Terblanche, J. S. 2011. Interactions between controlled atmospheres and low temperature tolerance : a review of biochemical mechanisms. Frontiers in Physiology, 2, art. 92, doi:10.3389/fphys.2011.00092.