Summary
A study methodology documenting the impact of hermetic storage systems on controlling infestation in date palm fruits over a six-month period.
Experimental Procedure for Evaluating Hermetic Storage of Date Palm Fruits
Highlights
Sample Preparation and Infestation
Clean date palm fruits are disinfested by freezing at -20°C for one week and equilibrated at room temperature. Each 500g unit is artificially infested with 20 pairs of adult insects to ensure a consistent population before sealing.
Experimental Treatments
The study compares three hermetic storage methods: PICS bags (T1), Super Grain bags (T2), and airtight plastic drums (T3), against a control group consisting of non-hermetic conventional polypropylene bags (T4).
Monitoring and Parameters
Stored in controlled lab conditions at 28°C and 70% humidity for six months, the experiment tracks insect population dynamics, fruit quality, weight loss, seed viability, and internal gas concentrations (O2 and CO2) at monthly intervals.