Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a double-walled portable container with pressurized gaseous Xe-124 are used as a target for thermal neutron irradiation that generates Xe-125. The portable container is transferred, while submerged in the reactor pool, to a mobile radiation shield container, which are then removed from the reactor pool and connected to the production apparatus that provides handling and recovery functions while properly shielded to minimize radiation exposure. A rapid and efficient transfer of induced Xe-125 and remaining Xe-124 is then accomplished into a clean spiral trap container in which the Xe-125 radioactivity is converted to Iodine-125. After the decay period is completed, Xe-124 and remaining Xe-125 are recovered leaving I-125 deposited on the internal surface of the spiral trap. I-125 is then removed with appropriate solvents.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.

Abstract: A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.

Abstract: A method and a system for the application of radio frequency energy to a host material in order to inhibit the presence of pathogenic or spoilage organisms, and the host material thereby treated. In general terms, a radio frequency field is introduced to a host material, where the radio frequency field is configured to resonantly introduce thermal energy to the host material at a frequency, where the thermal energy is sufficient to cause irreversible changes in infective organisms, and where the radio frequency field is configured at a power level such that the thermal energy causes only reversible changes in the host material.

Abstract: Methods of inactivating pathogens in biological materials, and biological materials that have been so treated, are provided. The inactivation methodology employs UV radiation, by devices such as lasers, to cause inactivation of pathogens, such as viruses.

Abstract: A non-chemical, non-residue method of controlling pests, pathogens and other undesirable organisms found in food supplies. The organisms are exposed to ultra-short pulses of ultraviolet light emitted at a wavelength which is absorbed by surface coloring chemicals in the insect, such as entegumen. The coloring chemicals act as a heat sink to the ultraviolet photons, and the undesired organisms are selectively heated without harming adjacent food objects. The heat thus induced in the insects causes irreparable or irreversible lethal damage.

Abstract: Microorganisms, including not only bacteria related to hygiene, food spoilage and human pathogenesis but also fungi which are commonly found in fresh fruits and vegetables, can be reduced or eliminated for surface microbial disinfection of foods and for other purposes by exposing an area containing such microorganisms to a monochromatic beam of pulsed ultraviolet laser radiation of wavelength about 240-280 nm, or in particular about 240-260 nm, with pulse duration in the range of picoseconds to microseconds at 1-1900 mJ/cm.sup.2 for most situations. Laser energy irradiance should be controlled in the case of some foods because of the limited tolerance to such exposure.