Quarantine implications of exposing Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lep., Tortricidae) larvae to sub-lethal high-temperature controlled atmosphere treatments

The post-treatment development and reproductive behaviour of Epiphyas postv ittana (Walker) were investigated after first, third, and fifth instars wer e exposed for 0, 1.5 and 4 h to a controlled atmosphere (CA) treatment (1.2 % O-2, 5% CO2, 40 degrees C). Fifth instars treated for 4 h in CA had a sig nificantly reduced survival rate to pupation, a changed sex ratio, increase d pupal deformity and lower female pupal weight. This CA treatment also sig nificantly reduced oviposition in those females which emerged as adults. Si milar trends were found in fifth instars treated for 1.5 h in CA and in thi rd instars treated for 4 h in CA. However, 1.5 h CA treatment on third and first instars did not adversely affect any of the developmental parameters that were measured. No significant changes were identified in the reproduct ive behaviour of moths emerging from larvae that were treated in CA as firs t (1.5 h) or third instars (1.5 and 4 h) compared with the untreated contro ls. Further, the viability of eggs oviposited by females treated with CA du ring their larval stages, was not affected.