Ozone helps improve the quality of the flower bulbs and is therefore widely used in the flower bulb sector. It’s both used for the irrigation of the bulbs and for the storage of the bulbs in storage cells.
Ozone and the irrigation of flower bulbs
Ozone has multiple positive effects on the irrigation water; it removes phenols, spores, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Phenols cause brown discolouration on the roots of the bulbs and inhibit their growth. This inhibits the growth and development of the bulb itself and results in a lower yield. Ozone oxidises phenols and prevents these problems.
As mentioned above, ozone can also be used to kill fungi, spores and bacteria. However, it is important to dose enough ozone. This is because ozone will first react with the phenols and then the spores and fungi. You can increase the oxidising effect by combining ozone with hydrogen peroxide or UVC.
Ozone in storage spaces
Ozone has proven its worth for storing flower bulbs, it doesn’t only remove ethylene but also neutralises fungi and spores. The suppression of germs makes sure the bulbs come out of their storage spaces looking much better.