Problem
Kaphra beetle is considered a quarantine pest by several governments. This insect is endemic to Asian countries and is resistant even to PH3 fumigation. An alternative treatment was needed.
Expectations
To eradicate the Kaphra beetle applying vacuum combined with high temperature and addition of an inert gas – CO2.
Solutions & results
Tests were conducted in Thailand. Rice in Bigbags was packaged with VQP outside liners and its inner atmosphere suffered vacuum and CO2 flushes. The warehouse temperature was purposely kept at 35°C or more during 3 weeks.
The result after the third week was the total purge of all alive insect stadia. In a second moment a 20’ container with 20 Big Bags of this biotreated rice was sent to Mexico, where the local authorities (quarantine inspection services) accepted after severe analysis.
