Investigation of the use of ozone fumigation to control several species of stored grain insects

In laboratory tests, ozone was used to fumigate several kinds of primary grain insects to determine its efficacy. The results showed there was good efficacy in controlling phosphine-susceptible strains of Sitophilus zeamais, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Tribolium castaneum, and phosphine-resistant strains of Sitophilus oryzae, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Tribolium castaneum. Ozone killed all adults of tested insects in 2 days at 120 ppm, in 4-6 days at 100 ppm, in 6-7 days at 70 ppm and in 12 days at 15-20 ppm. The results of tests carried out in small grain bulks in the field were similar to those from laboratory tests. Ozone appears to have some potential for use in controlling insects in stored products.