Insects and fungi cause losses in stored grains amounting to millions of dollars every year.
Currently the main weapons against these pests are a few varieties of chemicals; some of which will be restricted due to environmental issues. Concerns are also being raised regarding increasing resistance by the pests to the remaining ones.
Of other research in progress, the use of high strength ozone shows real promise.
In trials conducted in the USA ozone has been shown to destroy these pests without leaving any trace chemical on the product. Insects and fungi also cannot develop a resistance to ozone.
Though the use of ozone in grain storage is still considered to be in the research phase, we welcome the opportunity to discuss the applications in Australia. |
