In November 2021 USDA-APHIS authorized the importation of fresh pomelo from Thailand for the first time in 15 years with irradiation at a minimum dose of 400 Gy as a condition.

In November 2021 USDA-APHIS authorized the importation of fresh pomelo from Thailand for the first time in 15 years with irradiation at a minimum dose of 400 Gy as a condition.

Among the more than 30 Thai pomelo cultivars in Thailand, the green skin Thongdee with pink vesicle and distinctive flavor, the Khao Nam Pueng with honey color juice vesicle and easy peeling, and Tup Tim Siam (Siamese Ruby) with its ruby-red vesicles and pyriform shape are the consumers’favorite.

Using funding from the National Research Council of Thailand, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, a team at the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization) led by Dr. Hannarong Shamsub is working on optimizing the pre- and post irradiation parameters. Evaluations are being carried out in collaboration with Naresuan University. Parameters include maturation stage, time between harvest and irradiation, and storage temperature.

On November 9, 2022, during the First International Phytosanitary Irradiation Forum held during IMRP 20, a presentation of irradiated Thai pomelos was made to the media and conference participants (picture).

Thai pomelos will be shipped to the United States and showcased at the Natural Products Expo West on March 9–11, 2023 in Anaheim, California.