Response of Rhyzopertha dominica adults (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) to different ozone concentrations and time periods

The use of ozone to control insects in stored grain has been reported in different studies. Ozone is a promising alternative to chemical insecticides, especially for stored products, without affecting the grain quality. The current study was carried out to assess if a Concentration-Time-Mortality exists for Rhyzopertha dominica adults, when exposed to ozone. Laboratory tests were performed using an ozone generator that produced ozone by electrical discharge. Infested wheat grains were exposed to different ozone concentrations for different times. Ozone concentration was measured with an ozone analyzer. The values for Concentration-Time (CT) were calculated and related to the mortality of R. dominica adults. The data was analyzed to establish a relationship between CT and insect response.