Efficacy of gaseous ozone at high concentrations against Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) and Ephestia cautella (Walker) in Almond

WOS: 000373701000008In this study efficacy of gaseous ozone at high concentrations and short exposure time against all life stages of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) ve Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in almond was investigated under laboratory conditions. All life stages of E. cautella and P. interpunctella placed at the top and bottom position of 1.3 kg almond in fumigation chamber were exposed to two different concentrations (8.35 and 33.33 mg/l) of ozone flush treatment at 30 minute intervals for 6 hour. The results of biological tests indicated that ozone treatment at 33.33 mg/l concentration resulted in % 100 or nearly % 100 mortalities of only adult and pupa stage of E. cautella and all life stages of P. interpunctella placed at top position of the almond. However, ozone treatments at lower concentration (8.35 mg/l) caused nearly % 100 mortalities of only adult and pupa stage of P. interpunctella at placed at top position of the almond. It was clear that ozone treatments at low concentration (8.35 mg/l) resulted in significantly lower mortalities of all life stages of E. cautella and P. interpunctella than those at high concentration (33.33 mg/l). Generally, in all ozone treatments the mortalities of tested insects placed at top position of the almond were higher than those placed at bottom position of the almond. Notably, it was hard to kill the larvae and eggs of E. cautella and P. interpunctella placed at bottom position of the almond. Moreover, it was found that E. cautella was more tolerant to ozone treatments than P. interpunctella except their egg stage. In conclusion, this study shows that ozone treatment at high concentrations and short exposure time could not be effective alternative to methyl bromide for the rapid disinfestations of the almonds since it did not cause the complete mortality of all life stages of E. cautella and P. interpunctella on almond

The use of ozone gas for the control of insects and micro-organisms in stored products

In this review paper, we analyze the potential of using ozone as an alternative pest control technology for use in stored products, and we also illustrate data on the efficacy of ozone against micro-organisms and its effect on qualitative characteristics and properties of the treated commodities. Ozone application is currently attracting attention, particularly due to the fact that a) there are no residues on the product and b) there is no need for aeration to remove the gas. Novel industrial applications and improvements in ozone technology together with new regulatory actions worldwide have emerged in recent years, making its use in the food industry easier and applicable in a wide range of cases. This review paper presents available literature on ozone in relation to its use against pests and other organisms, but also to its different application techniques and for large scale viability. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved