Ozone as a new control strategy for storage systems pest

Ozone (O3) is a strong oxidant with a long history of safe use in many fields such as agricultural sector, food, textile, industrial and paper sectors, in the disinfection of water (drinking water and in the processing of waste water), etc. Environmental friendly properties are its main advantage compared to traditional pesticides and fungicides. It can be easily generated at treatment site by using only electricity and air. Therefore, O3 usage has following safety advantages over conventional pesticides: there are no residues on products or within products ; no presence of toxic chemicals ; no hazards of plant protection product mixtures ; no issues with disposal of insecticide leftovers and no disposable packaging. Insect infestation within commercial storages are a major concern for food industry. The presence of insects and their remains in grain and stored food may pose a serious health risk to humans and livestock. In most cases, in commercial storages pests are managed by a combination of different methods such as cleaning and cooling, fumigation or treatment of the stored material with contact insecticides. Available pesticides for treatment of grain and other stored products are decreasing due to environmental and safety concerns among consumers and society. Thus the need for alternative pest control methods is rising. The use of O3 is one of the potential methods although the ozone mode of action on insects is not completely known. Insect ´s respiratory system is most likely a target spot since it is a respiratory toxicant. The main goal of this investigation was to determine efficacy of ozone in the suppression of insect pests. The investigation has been conducted on seven different insect species which were in different growing stages (adults: Sitophilus granarius, Blatta lateralis, Blaptica dubia, Gryllus campestris ; larvae: Pachnoda sinuata flaviventris, Tenebrio molitor i Zophobas morio). Different exposure durations to ozonation process were tested. In addition to ozone efficacy, the walking response time and velocity of Sitophilus granarius were investigated. The results showed promising ozone effects on insects’ ability to move by slowing down response time, decreasing velocity or finally causing mortality. The highest efficiency of ozonation has been determined on adult insects’ stages while efficiency of larvae treatment had very low or no effect. Ozone efficiency increases with time of exposure. Above mentioned ozone features can be used in storage system providing a realistic choice in pest control either as a suppressant or a means of disabling movement which would ensure extended time for target application of treatment.