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

Abstract Novel effects of TiO 2 photocatalytic ozonation (a combination of TiO 2 photocatalytic oxidation and ozonation) were investigated for the control of postharvest storage rots in kiwifruit and on the decomposition of residual fungicides. The TiO 2 photocatalytic ozonation process synergistically degraded organic compounds and inhibited conidial germination of the fungal pathogen, when compared to a single treatment of ozonation or TiO 2 photocatalytic oxidation. TiO 2 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 TiO 2 photocatalytic ozonation can be a very attractive method for postharvest disease control of kiwifruit with an emphasis on food safety.