SBIR-STTR Award

The presence of human pathogens in uncooked sprouts has required health advisories by government agencies. Various chemical and physical processes for seed decontamination are under evaluation. The electron beam fluidized bed process developed by EPS under USDA grants has been shown to be an effective biocidal agent and is well suited to the disinfection of sprout seeds. Any commercially useful process must preserve the seed's viability. This has already been demonstrated in pilot studies on alfalfa seeds so that an optimum combination of treatment (dose) and electron energy (penetration depth) can now be developed for specific seed products. Non-pathogenic surrogates of the microorganisms of specific concern (E. coli 0157:H7 and Salmonella spp.) will be used employing the seed inoculation and bioassay techniques already developed with NCFST for alfalfa. D10 values for pathogens and their surrogates in good geometry will be determined on the EPS pilot processor. Lethality studies will then be conducted to determine the optimum energy:dose combinations required. Seed germination and sprout yield determinations will be made to document the utility of the process. Based upon the outcome, the nutritional studies required to support the petition for industrial use of the process will be determined at NCFST. The industrial ebfb system at EPS capable of ten kilogray.ton per hour under continuous (box/bag) operation will be available to the program for implementation of the process. ANTICIPATED RESULTS & POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH Commercial decontamination of various seeds used by the sprout industry. This process can be applied for "pasteurization" of seeds imported to the U.S. for protection of domestic agriculture from non- endemic (plant) pathogens.