The TOAST platform was founded in 2017. Its mission is to explore and develop innovative oxidative technologies, including ozone, in response to issues in the agriculture and agri-food sector. These solutions are characterized by their low persistence and high disinfectant power, and offer an alternative to conventional plant protection products. They can respond to the challenges of protecting the environment and to consumer expectations in terms of quality and sustainability.
Tested at key stages in the production of plants, fruit, vegetables and cereals, both pre- and post-harvest, ozone enables total or partial substitution of phytopharmaceutical products, while preserving product quality.
This platform is linked to the Agri-food and Nutrition Sciences Department.
Summary
Ozone applications
Ozone has a wide range of applications, directly linked to the research topics developed in the TOAST platform:
– Crop protection: Reduces fungal and bacterial diseases, while avoiding chemical residues.
– Food preservation: Limits losses and prolongs storage of foodstuffs (fruit, vegetables, grains, meat, fish) by disinfecting, disinsecting and degrading ethylene.
– Stimulates plant growth and health: Improves overall plant condition.
– Degradation of mycotoxins and phytosanitary products: Reduces mycotoxins and phytosanitary residues in post-harvest foodstuffs.
– Treatment of water and agro-industrial effluents: Widespread treatment for the decomposition of organic matter and for disinfecting water.
– Disinfection of equipment: Use for effective disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
Techniques and equipment
Original technologies
– Production of ozone gas and ozonated water.
– Coupling of ozone gas with controlled atmosphere.
– Ozone and UV systems
– Synthesis and characterization of ozonated oils
– SIFT-MS mass spectrometry for real-time analysis.
Unique infrastructures
– Growing rooms: Three rooms of 12 m³, temperature, humidity and lighting control.
– Storage rooms: Control of CO₂, O₂ and ozone levels to extend preservation.
– Ozonation chamber: Ozone production adapted to different materials and applications.
International mobility
– O3PAL: Ozone Plug & Play Lab: A self-contained mobile laboratory for on-site operations worldwide.
Our services
For professionals and researchers
– Academic and industrial collaboration (annual contracts, calls for projects) at national and international level.
– Customized testing and analysis services.
For students
– Thesis or internship opportunities.
– Training in cutting-edge technologies.
On-site services
– Use of the O3PAL mobile laboratory for international projects.
Current research projects
ATMOZFR (find out more)
Objective: Limit fungal contamination and extend fruit shelf life.
Partners: PURPAN Engineering School (project manager), Compagnie Fruitière, CIRAD, Absoger, Boyer.
Results:
– Reduced losses due to disease on fruits such as bananas, plums and melons.
– Improved water quality in packing stations.
SOLSTICE
Objective: Develop biocontrol solutions for vines and other crops.
Partners: Certis Belchim, PURPAN Engineering School, LRSV, CNRS, INRAe, Hennessy, TEC pulvérisation, SBM Group,
Results: Optimization of ozonated water spraying for crop protection. Efficiency in the laboratory against grapevine downy mildew.
“(Ré)Génération Fruit”
Objective: Speed up the agro-ecological transition in the arboricultural sector.
Partners: BlueWhale (project manager), PURPAN Engineering School, Asclepiostech, INRAe, MAF RODA, Micropep
CIFRE STRO3BERRY thesis
Objective: Evaluation of the effect of ozonated water irrigation on plant and fruit quality in strawberry production
Partners: Fruits Rouges & Co, PURPAN Engineering School
CIFRE BOOST thesis
Objective: Synthesis, characterization and assessment of the efficacy of ozonated oils on fungal problems in banana cultivation
Partners: Compagnie Fruitière, EIPURPAN Engineering School, CIRAD
Contact and resources
Email: plateforme.toast@purpan.fr
Phone: +33 (0)5 61 15 30 30
Address: 75 voie du TOEC, BP 57611, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
Technical notes and publications:
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