Novel effects of TiO2 photocatalytic ozonation on control of postharvest fungal spoilage of kiwifruit

Novel effects of TiO2 photocatalytic ozonation (a combination of TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation) were investigated for the control of postharvest storage rots in kiwifruit and on the decomposition of residual fungicides. The TiO2 photocatalytic ozonation process synergistically degraded organic compounds and inhibited conidial germination of the fungal pathogen, when compared to a single treatment of ozonation or TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation. TiO2 photocatalytic ozonation was not effective in controlling latent infections in kiwifruit tissue, but apparently retarded the disease development during cold storage. It also effectively degraded the fungicide flusilazole commonly used for disease control in Korea. These findings suggest that TiO2 photocatalytic ozonation can be a very attractive method for postharvest disease control of kiwifruit with an emphasis on food safety.