Nitric oxide as a new fumigant for postharvest pest control on fresh commodities

Nitric oxide fumigation under ultralow oxygen atmospheres was discovered recently to be effective for postharvest pest control. It is effective against all life stages of insects and against both external and internal feeders. Nitric oxide fumigation comes with additional but acceptable costs associated with nitrogen gas supply needed to establish ultralow oxygen conditions. It is more effective against pests and less toxic to mammals than phosphine. Therefore, nitric oxide fumigation is a promising alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for postharvest pest control on imported and exported agricultural products. In this report, efficacy data and effects on product quality are presented. Commercial feasibility, advantages, and disadvantage of nitric oxide fumigation are also discussed.