Tang, J., Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 213 L.J. Smith Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6120, United States
Mitcham, E., Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Mail Stop 2, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, United States
Wang, S., Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, 213 L.J. Smith Hall, Pullman, WA 99164-6120, United States
Lurie, S., Department of Postharvest Science, ARO, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel

Due to the nature of agricultural commodities as carriers of exotic pests, importing countries have employed varying methods of pest control for postharvest products. Thermal treatments are emerging as effective, environmentally-friendly alternatives to traditional methods, eliminating chemical residues and minimizing damage to produce. This book provides comprehensive information of these increasingly important treatments, covering temperature measurement, heat transfer, physiological responses of plants, insects and pathogens to heat, and an introduction to current and potential quarantine treatments based on hot air, hot water, and radio frequency energy. © CAB International 2007. All rights reserved.