|
Effective March 2002
the International Plant Protection Convention adopted a new policy
mandating that all wooden packing materials involved in international
trade be treated to eradicate pest infestations of foreign origin.
Currently the only approved methods are methyl bromide fumigation
or heat treatment. Both of these methods have significant limitations
and inherent problems associated with their use. This study is designed
to demonstrate that radio-frequency and microwave technologies are
cost-effective and safe alternatives to methyl bromide fumigation
for eradication of pests in wooden packing materials. Our specific
objectives are to (1) optimize microwave and radio frequency treatment
of wood samples for eradication of a variety of pests; (2) develop
industry level treatment schedules for radio frequency and microwave
energy exposures of solid wood packing materials during the process
of scale-up to commercially-relevant volumes; (3) conduct cost/benefit
analyses comparing treatment schedules for methyl bromide, microwave,
radio frequency and heat treatment; and (4) deliver research results
to end users and regulatory authorities via presentation using the
internet, workshops, publications, and professional meetings. Upon
review of the proposed wood treatment schedules, it is our goal
that radio frequency and microwave technologies be approved for
use and adopted by the U.S. pallet and wooden container industry
for eradication of pests infesting wooden packing materials. Several
species of insects used as surrogates for pest species are being
collected in the Penn State Forestlands and used in microwaving
and radio frequency tests.
|
Block of wood
being subjected to a treatment.
|
