Evaluation of an Ozone-Induced Free Radical Solution’s Characteristics and Its Efficacy as an Alternative Pest Control Method

Abstract

In light of the environmental problems stemming from chemical pesticides, a preparation system for an ozone-induced free radical solution was developed to replace chemical pesticides for disease control. The effective synthesis process parameters for the solution under experimental conditions were determined through a single-factor experiment. The mechanism by which the solution eradicates pathogenic bacteria was investigated using electron microscopy, and a disease prevention and control experiment was conducted. Under slightly acidic conditions, the redox potential of the solution was observed to be high, with an air intake of 0.5 L/min and a liquid intake of 1.45 L/min, while the concentration decayed slowly, with a liquid intake of 0.98 L/min. The solution’s destructive effect on the bacteria’s internal and external structures intensified with prolonged action time and an increased number of free radicals. A 1.5 mg/L solution and 5% imidacloprid effectively reduced pest levels to grades 3 and 4, respectively. When the pH is 3, with air intake at 0.5 L/min and liquid intake at 0.98 L/min, the ozone-induced free radical solution exhibits strong oxidation and stability. At a concentration of 1.5 mg/L, the solution demonstrates a superior control effect on diseases and can partially replace chemical pesticides, offering a promising alternative for environmentally sustainable disease control.