Originally Posted by Richard

I don't believe so. In some cases it is used in addition to present methods, in other cases it is used in situations where it is more effective than present methods. An example is the import of mangosteen fruits from Thailand. The fruit seeds can contain the embryos of exotic pests. Irridation is the only known non-destructive way to destroy the embryos in whole fruit. Consequently, whole mangosteen fruit must be irridated prior to entering the U.S.