The use of ozone in horticulture is becoming more widespread in Sicily too

The favourable climate and high level of specialisation in production make Sicily one of Italy’s leading horticultural regions. In an environment increasingly focused on innovation and sustainability, Sicilian agricultural entrepreneurs are showing a growing interest in technologies capable of improving production efficiency and crop health. Ozone therapy in agriculture fits perfectly into this context.

“Ecofarm Storti Srl has entered into a partnership with Marco Blundetto, an agronomist and local agent, specifically to strengthen its presence in Sicily and offer technical support to businesses in the sector. The partnership stems from a shared commitment to scientific expertise, values and a focus on service, and aims to contribute to the dissemination – including in this important market – of results achieved in other regions, offering companies the opportunity to increase their competitiveness and sustain production even during periods of severe stress,” reads a company statement.

“The ozone water treatment has a disinfectant effect against bacteria, fungi and viruses and helps keep irrigation systems clean. The application of ozone in the fields helps increase the level of bioavailable oxygen dissolved in water, an important factor in supporting crops during transplanting or in months characterised by high temperatures. The effectiveness of treating irrigation water with ozone enables plants to tolerate heat stress and high salt concentrations in irrigation water, and to continue producing even in the height of summer,” explains Giorgio Zaffani, a biotechnologist at Ecofarm.

Ecofarm Storti Srl has developed ozone-based applications to support farms in optimising their production processes, introducing innovative solutions for more sustainable agriculture.

Through the O3 Prophilaxys protocol, the Verona-based company has gained significant experience in the disinfection of water and growing environments, gathering scientific evidence and concrete results over time that have enabled the rapid adoption of this technology in high-production areas, both in Italy and abroad.

“In Ecofarm applications, ozone is also used as an agent to ensure the complete sanitisation of greenhouses between one growing cycle and the next, delivering superior results compared to mechanical cleaning alone, and helping enhance the protection of the produce.”

“This sanitisation system, which is now used in many farms across Italy and other European countries, enables the elimination of microbial loads from the previous crop, ensuring a reduction in the risk of cross-infection. The significant advantages of ozone are now well established in nursery operations, soilless cultivation and soil-based horticultural production,” continues Zaffani.

In tomato cultivation, for example, the use of ozone has proved effective in controlling various pathogens, including Clavibacter michiganensis and ToBRFV, and has helped preserve production continuity and economic stability for numerous farms.

For more information
Ecofarm Storti srl
Via Castelletto 10
37050 Belfiore (VR) – Italy
+39 045 6134390
[email protected]
www.ecofarmstorti.com