Effect of sulfuryl fluoride fumigation on dried fig quality

Storage pests pose a significant threat for the dried fig industry especially after the ban of methyl bromide (MeBr). Research on MeBr alternatives are being conducted in Turkey as it is a major producer and trader of dried fig. Sulfuryl fluoride was tested as a MeBr alternative on dried figs. The aim of the trial was to examine its effect on the quality of the dried fruit of 'Sarılop' figs. The initial tests were carried out in laboratory conditions in France and a further two trials were conducted in Turkish dried fig processing plants on commercial scale applications. Commercial scale sulfuryl fluoride treatments were performed in containers at 100 g m^-3 where the temperature and relative humidity were monitored during exposure and later in storage. After assessing sulfuryl fluoride as an effective fumigant, fruit quality was evaluated after short (15 days), medium (100 days) or long-term storage (210 days). No negative impacts occurred on fruit surface colour, sugaring, water content, water activity, total soluble solids and titratable acidity content, pH and firmness. Further analysis also showed no SO₂ residues in the treated fruit.