Evaluation of the Effect of Ozone Gas on Quality Characteristics and Storage Life of Barley Grain

Barley were ranked fourth among the cereals, and due to their beneficial and nutritious properties their consumption is increasing in most countries of the world. In order to replace the new and risk-free methods to extend the shelf life of cereals (instead of chemical pesticides), the use of ozone gas. in this study the effect of ozone gas with two variables of ozone concentration (25, 50 and 75 ppm) on ozonation time (1, 3, 5 and 7 days) in barley (Reyhaneh cultivar) compared to the control sample by determining storage characteristics of barley in terms of control of fungal, insects growth, germination power and changes in grains quality characteristics. The results showed that increased ozone concentration and ozonation time increased control of fungal growth, spread of fungal toxins (aflatoxins) and increased effect of ozone on storage pests grains. The mean comparison test showed that this increase was not significant at concentrations greater than 50 ppm and 3 days ozonation time in both grains (P<0.05). Also, the use of 75 ppm ozone at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days caused significant oxidative changes compared to the control in fat (acidity and peroxide) and starch (carboxyl index) barley. The different ozonation conditions up to 50 ppm concentration and all time had no significant effect on protein content in barley compared to control (P<0.05). The results of seed germination evaluation showed no significant decrease in seed germination at 50 ppm concentration up to 5 days of ozonation compared to control and ozonation at 75 ppm and at 7 days compared to the control sample reduced germination to 31.5%. Therefore, based on the results, it was suggested to use ozone concentration of 50 ppm for 3 days of ozonation for storage of barley grains.