Ozone can be used in fruit production in several ways, including:
- Pest and disease control: Ozone can be used to kill pests and diseases that affect fruit production. For example, it can be used to control fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, gray mold, and black spot on fruit trees. It can also be used to control pests such as mites and aphids.
- Post-harvest treatment: Ozone can be used to disinfect fruit after it has been harvested to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life. This is done by exposing the fruit to ozone gas, which kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause decay.
- Soil treatment: Ozone can be used to treat soil in fruit production by disinfecting it and improving soil structure. It can also be used to break down organic matter in the soil, making nutrients more available to the plants.
- Ripening: Ozone can be used to accelerate the ripening process of some fruits, such as bananas and avocados. This is done by exposing the fruit to low levels of ozone gas, which stimulates the production of ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that triggers the ripening process.
More information on ozone in the food industry can be found here: https://www.oxidationtech.com/applications/agri-food/ozone-regulations-in-organic-food-production.html
