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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #378676
Research Project: Methyl Bromide Replacement: Post-harvest Treatment of Perishable Commodities

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Title: Progress on nitric oxide fumigation research for postharvest control of pests and microbes

Author
item Liu, Yong Biao
item Oh, Sookyung
item Yang, Xiangbing

Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2020
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a recently discovered fumigant for postharvest pest control. NO fumigation must be conducted under ultralow oxygen conditions to prevent NO from reacting with O2 to form NO2. NO fumigation is effective against all insects and mites tested. NO2 has strong antimicrobial effects and was demonstrated to be effective in controlling Aspergillus flavus spores on artificial medium and microbes on stored almonds and peanuts. Therefore, by controlling O2 levels, NO fumigation can have desired levels of NO and NO2 for control both pests and microbes on stored products. NO fumigation was also demonstrated to be safe to fresh products. NO fumigation also does not leave toxic residues on fumigated products. Therefore, NO fumigation has potential to be safe and effective alternative to methyl bromide for postharvest control of pests and microbes.