Peruvian citrus fruit has successfully passed scientific tests that determined it was safe to be transported to Japan free of pests, according to a story by Gestion.pe. 

The tests were recently completed by Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) which worked alongside specialists from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), evaluating the effects of cold treatment on Satsumas.

The story said the tests included cold treatment of the fruit at 2.1°C (35.8°F) for 18 days, and 3°C (37.4°F) for 23 days, to assess whether it would stop possible infestations of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) from reaching Japanese territory.

The treatment was able to eliminate every one of the 17,000 or so larvae present in the fruit and so could be used when transporting the fruit from Peru to the Asian island.

According to the story, SENASA will now send the official report of the test results to MAFF which will then analyze the data and integrate it into a proposal.

Experimental tests began in 2009 under an agreement between the two national agriculture services, with the aim of lifting restrictions on several Peruvian citrus varieties including Sataumas, Clementines, Minneola tangelos, and Lane Late and Washington navel oranges.

The research was conducted with funding from the Peruvian Citrus Growers Association and was developed by SENASA.

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