EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF ORGANOSILICONES AND HOT WATER WASHING ON SURFACE PESTS ON COMMERCIALLY PROCESSED PEARS

Determine the minimal concentration of the SilWet and optimal dip time to provide control of diapausing spider mites, San Jose scale, grape mealy bug. Determine the effect of anti-foaming agents and decay suppressing chemicals (SOPP, Ozone, Chlorine, Orzan (lignin sulfate)) on the activity of the SilWet. Determine the effect of water spraying (HWS) on removal and/or mortality of Lepidopterian eggs, mite eggs, grape mealy bug, and San Jose scale. Examine the effect of combination treatments of HWS and SilWet dips on all surface pests, to include implementation in commercial packing lines. Determine the effect of SilWet dips on fruit quality and decay control. Determine the effects of HWS on fruit quality, decay control, and storage life. Examine the effect of combination treatments of HWS and SilWet dips on fruit quality, decay control, and storage life.