Efficiency of Gaseous Ozone in Disinfection of Mushroom Growing Rooms

Abstract

Fungal diseases are a persistent problem in the cultivation of white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus). The chemical control of pathogens is becoming less effective and less desirable, so new ways to limit these infections are urgently required. What is more, the disease is mostly controlled through cultural practices and good hygiene on mushroom farms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fungicidal effects of ozone on fungal pathogens of common mushrooms. Experiments with the use of ozone gas for disinfection of growing rooms after the completion of the mushroom growing cycle were carried out. The fungicidal effectiveness of ozone fumigation was evaluated on the basis of the survival rate of the spores of the pathogens tested (Lecanicillium fungicola, Cladobotryum dendroides, Mycogone perniciosa, and Trichoderma aggressivum). Spore suspension was applied to aluminum plates and then was exposed to gaseous ozone. The assessment of the growth of colonies of fungal isolates obtained from infected surfaces was carried out using Rodac contact test plates. The results showed that L. fungicola, M. perniciosa, and C. dendroides isolates were sensitive to the gas ozone. In order to achieve 100% efficacy against Mycogone strains, a minimum of 6 hours of ozonation had to be applied, whereas for Cladobotryum strains, a minimum of 8 hours had to be applied. The Lecanicillium species was the most sensitive to ozonation because 30 minutes of ozonation was enough to gain 100% inhibition of its growth. No satisfactory results were obtained in the case of the pathogenic species of Trichoderma, regardless of the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, this study has demonstrated the usefulness of ozone as a disinfectant for empty growing rooms after the completion of the mushrooms’ cultivation cycle.

Sanitizing of stainless steel surfaces in the food industry: Effect of gaseous ozone against pathogens and filamentous fungi

“…In respect to literature data, the most of papers dealing with ozone and fungi on surfaces reported experiments where unstandardized conditions (e.g., unfiltered fungal suspensions, fluctuating ozone concentrations) were applied (Hudson & Sharma, 2009; Korzun et al, 2008; Szumigaj‐Tarnowska et al, 2021), or where fungal conidia were tested on culture media. In most of these works (Ames et al, 2013; Korzun et al, 2008; Li & Wang, 2010; Zotti et al, 2008), conidial survival was assessed by measuring their percentage reduction, and ozone was unlikely to exceed the 90% reduction, which corresponds to a 1D ‐value.…”

Evaluation of an Ozone-Induced Free Radical Solution’s Characteristics and Its Efficacy as an Alternative Pest Control Method

“…Future research should further investigate the effects of varying crops, growth cycles, spray volumes, methods, timing, and environmental parameters on crop growth, disease control, fruit quality, and yield after ozone-induced free radical solution application. Additionally, expansion to include disease prevention in outdoor vegetables, fruits, plants, and flowers is warranted [47,48].…”

IoT-based system of prevention and control for crop diseases and insect pests

“…The use of ozone gas for infection prevention and control in crop production has become an important research focus. Szumigaj-Tarnowska et al (2020) evaluated the fungicidal effects of ozone on fungal pathogens of common mushrooms. Their experimental results demonstrated the usefulness of ozone as a disinfectant for empty growing rooms after the completion of a mushroom cultivation cycle.…”