An automatic system for generating thermal maps in vessel holds for monitoring the correct application of the quarantine protocol against the mediterranean fruitfly

Abstract

The presence of Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata Wied.), not only in the Mediterranean area but also in other temperate climate countries makes difficult the exports of fruits and vegetables to other places in the world that can be sensible to this pest (1.e. southern USA). The infestation of this fly is difficult to observe in the packing house, since it locates very small eggs in the flesh of the fruit without producing important, easily visible damages to the skin. In order to avoid non-desired propagation of the pest, quarantine protocols have been established to assure that the larvae will be killed during the transport of the fruit in refrigerated vessels or containers and will not develop in the country of destination.