Given the existence of different problems for international trade in fruits due to the phytosanitary barriers required by each country, the use of e-beam and X-ray irradiation at a commercial scale as a phytosanitary treatment is proposed.

In this study, four dose mappings were performed on two south African orange pallets with the aim of finding the value of DUR for X-ray irradiation. The variation of DUR depending on different energies (5 and 7 MeV) and the possibility of its decrease using a variable scan vs uniform scan was studied. With the experiences carried out, it was possible to validate the model used for the different Monte Carlo simulations and some simulations were developed to study the effect of overscan on the DUR. In the case of X-ray irradiation at 7 MeV, DUR values ranged from 1.91 to 2.58, this depending on the variation of the overscan. Likewise, in the experience was possible to find that the use of a variable scan presents a decrease in the value of the DUR, which can reach up to 10%. In the case of X-ray irradiation at 5 MeV, a DUR value of 2.95 was found.

In parallel, the effects of X-ray irradiation at different doses (0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 Gy) on the weight loss percentage, titratable acidity, soluble solids, maturation index, and color on the oranges were studied. It was identified that irradiation does not have a significant influence on the variation of any of the parameters and that, therefore, it can be considered as a safe and viable treatment.

As a second part of the study, a dose mapping was performed on a box of blueberries with the aim of finding the value of the DUR for e-beam irradiation. A comparison between two dosimetry systems (alanine pellets vs B3 radiochromic films) was made. The DUR value found with alanine pellets was 1.61 and with B3 radiochromic films was 1.65.

In the same way as in the case of oranges, the effects of e-beam irradiation on blueberries at different doses (0, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 Gy) were studied. The variation of the weight loss percentage, soluble solids, and color was determined. It was identified that irradiation does not have a significant influence on the variation of any of the parameters and that, therefore, it can be considered as a safe and viable treatment.