Bureau of Methods Development &
Biological Control

The electron beam linear accelerator was built in 1989 funded mainly by the U.S. Department of Energy as a pilot demonstration facility to investigate the feasibility of radiation in agriculture. FDACS accepted the challenge to provide technology necessary to conduct biological control programs, to meet regulatory requirements for other governments, to ensure the safety of our state and national food supply and to protect Florida agricultural industry from various pests. A new accelerator was brought online in 1999.

Treatment of agricultural commodities:

• Disinfest insect diets, fruits and vegetables of insect pests, bacteria and fungi.
• Treat seeds and other plant material for quality enhancement.
• Treat insects for biological control programs.
• Disinfest foods of harmful pathogens, such as salmonella, E.coli and listeria.
• Satisfy quarantine requirements for shipping products to certain domestic and foreign markets.

Treatment of other commodities:

• Sterilization of medical disposables.
• Treat semiconductors to modify
  operational characteristics.