Utilizing extreme temperatures to control insect pests in stored dried fruits

Abstract: Dried fruits, which play an important role in the Mediterranean basin, face threats
from insect infestations in storage, affecting trade and quality. This study evaluates extreme
temperature treatments to control insect pests in dried figs, currants, and dates. Artificially
infested dried fruits with Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Plodia interpunctella were exposed
to cold (-5 °C, -10 °C, -15 °C) and heat (35 °C, 45 °C, 55 °C) for 2, 6, and 24 hours. Results
showed complete mortality at -15 °C and 55 °C for all durations. The efficacy varied by
commodity, impacting progeny production. These findings highlight the potential of
temperature treatments as sustainable pest control methods in dried fruits.