Researches in efficacy of oxygen reduced atmospheres as an eradication treatment for museum objects against insect pests

Under the concept of integrated pest management various methods of prevention, early detection and selective control of material degrading organisms are combined. The main focus is on physical and biological measures. Anoxic treatment by use of nitrogen is most gentle to all kind of materials, where remaining oxygen, treatment time and climatic conditions have impact to success.

Treatment duration and required nitrogen concentration can be pending on pest species and development stages or treated objects material. Funded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, this research project will investigate correlations of these factors by simulated object infestations. Under defined environmental conditions and standardized treatment operation, the aim is to generate reliable data which assure best achievement in pest eradication.

Sponsor: Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU
Project partners: Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM); Julius-Kühn Institut - Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen; Technische Universität Ilmenau
Duration: 2015 to 2016