Effect of ozone fumigation on lasioderma serricorne (F.) and quality of turmeric rhizome

The study evaluated the efficacy of ozone as a fumigant to disinfest the stored turmeric rhizome at 12% moisture content (w.b). Eggs, larva, pupa and adults of Laisoderma serricorne (F.) were exposed at ozone concentrations of 150,205, 350 and 450 ppm. Probit analysis was used to determine the LT99 values. The results indicated that the 99% lethal time (LT99) of the larva, pupa and adult of 150, 250, 350 and 450 ppm treatments were 609.37, 544.90, 496.64 and 187.20 min; 628.80, 581.64, 522.78 and 429.33 min; 745.33, 610.18, 544.98 and 422.98 min, respectively. Ozone treated turmeric rhizome samples were analyzed for protein, fat and colour ‘b’ value at monthly intervals for three months storage period. Protein and fat contents were not affected by storage period and treatments. The colour ‘b’ value was found (P<0.001) significant for storage period and treatments.