Can Ozone be a New Control Strategy for Pests of Stored Grain?

Ozone (O-3) is a strong oxidant with a long history of safe use in many fields. Researches have been recently focused on the application of O-3 as a fumigant to control stored-grain insects and microorganisms and to reduce mycotoxins. This review found the following facts: (1) O-3 significantly suppressed insect populations at <= 50 ppm with 4 days treatment; (2) to eradicate insect infestation, >135 ppm with more than 8 days treatment would be required; (3) O-3 at <= 50 ppm with 3 days treatment reduced 63 % of stored fungi; (4) O-3 at 5-30 ppm could reduce mycotoxin contamination; however, high concentration and long treatment time were required to eliminate mycotoxins; (5) application of O-3 at doses that were sufficient for the effective disinfestation of grain might affect qualities of grain; and (6) O-3 at 47-106 ppm could noticeably damage equipment in 2 months by corrosion. Based on these facts, we recommended that <= 50 ppm O-3 should be used in the stored-grain industry and its potential method of application was also analyzed.