Abstract
ABSTRACT In the current study, the effect of ozone gas on the mortality of Acanthoscelides obtectus adults on stored common bean seeds was assessed. Ozone was evaluated at concentrations of 500, 1000 and 1500 ppmv and three exposure times. Changes in the cuticle of adults were examined under scanning electron microscope, and the chemical composition of common bean seeds treated with ozone was determined. Mortality of A. obtectus adults was improved with increase of ozone concentration and exposure time. A full mortality of A. obtectus adults was achieved 4 days post treatment by all tested concentrations at exposure time 3 h. Examination with scanning electron microscope of A. obtectus adults showed scratches of the elytra surface in different areas of the body cuticle. Moreover, sensilla were absent in some points leaving spaces between parts on the dorsal surface. Furthermore, the chemical composition analysis of treated seeds showed a slight decrease in protein, fat and carbohydrate, moisture, and a slight increase in fat, fiber and ash contents compared with untreated seeds. Our findings suggest ozone can effectively protect common bean seeds against A. obtectus beetle.
Published Version
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