The effect of modified atmospheres on the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.)(Coleoptera: Silvanidae) and the quality of semi-dried dates

The saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis plays a major role in reducing the quality and volume of dried fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of modified atmospheres (MAs) enriched in CO₂ or N₂ at 25 °C and 35 °C on the adult and larval stages of O. surinamensis and dried date quality. The tested MAs containing 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% CO₂ and the MAs containing 97% and 98% N₂, with different exposure periods were performed in the laboratory at 25 °C or 35 °C ± 2 °C, 65% ± 5% r.h and photoperiod of 16 Light:8 Dark. The adults and larvae were found to be more susceptible to CO₂ or N₂ at 35 °C than those at 25 °C. Both adults and larvae reached 100% mortality after 4–6 days exposure to 20%–50% CO₂ at 25 °C and 3–5 days exposure to the same concentrations at 35 °C. The mortality reached 100% after 2–3 days when adults were exposed to 97% or 98% N₂ at 35 °C, but the larvae reached the complete mortality after 5 and 4 days exposure to 97% and 98% N₂, respectively, at 35 °C. The adult stage was more susceptible than the larval stage to MAs enriched in CO₂ or N₂. Also, the results showed that an MA containing 50% CO₂ and another containing 98% N₂ led to increased total carbohydrates, protein, fat, and ash in treated dates compared to control dates. MAs at high temperatures may be recommended to control O. surinamensis populations in dried date stores due to the advantage of a short duration treatment capable of killing larvae and adult stages of this insect, with positive effects on dried fruit quality.     

Growth/survival of natural flora and Aeromonas hydrophila on refrigerated uncooked pork and turkey packaged in modified atmospheres

To evaluate the growth/survival of natural flora and Aeromonas hydrophila on refrigerated normal low (pork) and high (turkey) pH meats packaged in modified atmospheres, A. hydrophila was inoculated onto fresh pork and turkey meat slices. Inoculated and control samples were packaged in modified atmospheres (100% N₂, 20/80 and 40/60 CO₂/O₂) or in air in plastic bags and kept at 1 and 7°C. Samples packaged in air showed a similar microbiological pattern to that usually observed in fresh meat stored aerobically. Packaging in modified atmosphere produced a strong inhibition of bacterial growth at 1°C, particularly in samples stored in CO₂/O₂enriched atmospheres. Aeromonas hydrophila grew on turkey and pork meat stored in 100% N₂at 1 and 7°C. Likewise, growth of this bacterium was detected on turkey stored in 20/80 CO₂/O₂at 7°C. No growth was observed in 40/60 CO₂/O₂in any meat at both temperatures assayed.     

Effect of controlled atmosphere storage on aflatoxin production in high moisture peanuts (groundnuts)

Shelled peanuts (groundnuts) remoistened to 16.7% were stored for 4 weeks at about 27°C in air (0.03% CO₂, 21% O₂, 78% N₂) and in three modified atmospheres: (1) 13.6% CO₂, 0.3% CO, 0·6% O₂, 84.7% N₂; (2) 12.2% CO₂, 3.1% CO, 0.3% O₂, 83.5% N₂; and (3) 13.6% CO₂, 0.1% CO, 1.5% O₂, 83.9% N₂. Aflatoxins, per cent free fatty acids, and per cent kernel infection by the Aspergillus flavus group were determined weekly. Peanuts in air and in the atmosphere containing 1.5% O₂ accumulated high levels of aflatoxin in 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. In the other two controlled atmospheres aflatoxin B₁ did not exceed 21 μg/kg and the per cent of free fatty acids increased only slightly. None of the treatments eliminated infection by the A. flavus group. After 4 weeks peanuts in all treatments had visible fungal growth on surfaces.     

Comparison of efficacy of nitric oxide fumigation under nitrogen and carbon dioxide atmospheres in controlling granary weevil (Sitophilus granaries) and confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum)

Nitric oxide (NO) was a recently discovered fumigant for postharvest pest control. Because NO reacts with oxygen (O₂) spontaneously to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), NO fumigation must be conducted under ultralow oxygen (ULO) atmospheres to preserve NO and nitrogen (N₂) has been used to establish ULO atmospheres in NO fumigation studies in the past. However, carbon dioxide (CO₂) can also be used to ULO atmospheres and CO₂ fumigation was also reported to be effective in controlling certain insect pests and enhancing toxicity of some fumigants. In the present study, NO fumigations under ULO conditions established with N₂ and CO₂ were compared for effects against granary weevil, Sitophilus granaries, and confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum. All life stages of the two insects were subjected to 12 h fumigation treatments with 0.5–1.0% NO at 25 °C under ULO established with CO₂ (NO–CO₂ treatments) and N₂ (NO–N₂ treatments). The most tolerant life stage for each species in each fumigation treatment was then fumigated with NO for 24 h fumigation at 25 °C to determine an effective treatment. There were no significant differences in mortalities of adults, larvae, and pupae at all NO concentrations between ULO conditions established with CO₂ and N₂ for either insect. NO–CO₂ was, however, significantly less effective than NO–N₂ against eggs of both species. Granary weevil pupae and confused flour beetle eggs were the most tolerant stages for each respective species to NO fumigation: >99% mortality of granary weevil pupae and confused flour beetle eggs were, however, achieved in the 24 h fumigation with 2% and 1% NO, respectively. This study showed that CO₂ can be used to establish ULO atmospheres for NO fumigation, but did not significantly contribute to insect mortality.     

Effect of CO2 modified atmosphere packaging on aflatoxin production in maize infested with Sitophilus zeamais

The weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), the maize weevil, is a pest of stored maize that can cause feeding damage and lead to the proliferation of toxigenic fungi. The application of modified atmospheres with a high concentration of CO₂ is an alternative method for the control of S. zeamais and the inhibition of fungal growth. The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of S. zeamais infestation, grain damage and grain moisture content on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus on maize, and the impact of high CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging on pest infestation and aflatoxin production. Mycotoxin production was only recorded when maize was infested with S. zeamais and had A. flavus inoculum. However, production of mycotoxins was not recorded when the maize was mechanically damaged and stored at 18% moisture content, indicating that the biological activity of the insect was determinant in the production of mycotoxins. The high CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging tested (90% CO₂, 5% O₂ and 5% N₂) prevented mycotoxin production.     

Temperature,water activity and gas composition effects on the growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus on paddy

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of temperature with water activity (a_w) and CO₂ with a_w on the growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus Link on paddy. The effects of temperature (20–30 °C) and a_w (0.92–0.98) on the relationship between colony diameter and aflatoxin production, and the influence of a_w (0.92–0.98) and CO₂ (20–80%) on the growth and toxin production were studied using full factorial design. Colony diameters were regularly measured and aflatoxins were periodically analyzed using HPLC with fluorescence detector. The growth and aflatoxin formation increased with a_w at the temperatures studied, and toxin production was positively correlated with the incubation time and colony diameter. Except at 0.92 a_w, as much as 80% CO₂ failed to inhibit the growth of fungi completely. However, at all a_w levels studied the growth parameters as estimated by Baranyi function and aflatoxin were affected by the increment in CO₂ where growth rates and aflatoxin were negatively correlated with CO₂ while the lag phase durations were positively correlated with CO₂. Under 0.98 a_w, the atmosphere enriched with 20% and 80% CO₂ lead to at least 59% and 88% reduction in growth and 47% and 97% in the toxin production, respectively. At 0.95 a_w, the lag phases of both isolates in average increased by a factor of 1.7–12 when the CO₂ levels in the headspace were between 20 and 80% compared to the control. The growth rate and lag phase durations under the modified atmospheres were successfully described using a polynomial equation (R² > 0.97). The results of the study could form a basis of indicative guidelines on the possible control of A. flavus and aflatoxin in paddy during temporary storage prior to drying.     

The toxicity effects of atmospheres with high content of carbon dioxide with addition of sulphur dioxide on two stored-product pest species: Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium confusum

Modified atmospheres (MAs) are safe and environmentally friendly alternatives to control pests in stored products. However, to accommodate the requirements of the food industry, the control of insects by a MA can be a too lengthy process. This paper describes the potential of sulphur dioxide as an additive to reduce the long lethal exposure of modified atmospheres (MA) enriched with carbon dioxide for major stored product pests. Specifically, we evaluated whether the addition of SO₂ (0–30,000 ppm) to a high-CO₂ content of 70%–95% MA could enhance its insecticidal effect for the control of Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium confusum. The addition of 15,000 ppm and 30,000 ppm of SO₂ to 95% CO₂ enhanced control up to 100% in comparison to CO₂ alone for S. oryzae and T. confusum adults when treated for one day in all of the substrates tested. However, the effectiveness of adding SO₂ at reduced contents was lower and depended on the substrate and pest species considered. The addition of SO₂ also increased the mortality of all of the developmental stages of S. oryzae. The increase in mortality with the addition of SO₂ was also observed when included with 70% CO₂. Therefore, the addition of SO₂ can be considered a feasible means of shortening the length of treatment necessary to achieve the control of these two pests using a high-CO₂ MA.     

Residual effect of CO2 on hake (Merluccius merluccius L.) stored in modified and controlled atmospheres

 The residual effect of CO₂ on whole gutted hake kept with three different CO₂/O₂/N₂ gas mixtures: 60/15/25, 80/20/0 and 40/40/20, and two different kinds of atmospheres (controlled and modified) during 12 days followed by conventional storage in ice for up to 30 days was examined by physical, chemical and sensory analyses. Shelf life was longer in lots kept in atmospheres than in control lots and was further prolonged by controlled than by modified atmospheres. The lots kept in the atmosphere with the highest concentrations (80%) of CO₂ exhibited the lowest trimethylamine nitrogen and total volatile basic nitrogen values. However, these were also the lots that scored worst in sensory analysis. The lots that scored best in sensory analysis were those which were kept in the gas mixtures with 60% and 40% of CO₂. Oxidative rancidity was not a problem in the samples stored in the atmosphere with 40% O₂; Thiobarbituric acid levels were lower than 2 mg/100 g in all lots throughout storage, and the assessors detected no rancidity. The residual effect of CO₂ on whole gutted hake was more effective in controlled atmosphere lots. Received: 15 June 2000 / Revised version: 17 August 2000     

Impact of the O2 Concentrations on Bacterial Communities and Quality of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei)

The importance of spoilage‐related bacteria in fresh Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under different modified atmospheres (MAs) at 4 °C and the effect of O₂ were demonstrated in the current study. The changes of bacterial communities in MA‐packed shrimp during cold storage were studied by a combined method of plate counts with isolation and identification. Three gas mixtures were applied: 80% CO₂/5% O₂/15% N₂, 80% CO₂/10% O₂/10% N₂ and 80% CO₂/20% O₂, and unsealed packages of shrimp were used as the control. In addition, the TVB‐N, pH, whiteness index, and sensory scores were also determined to evaluate the quality changes of shrimp. MA packaging effectively inhibited the increase of total psychrotrophic bacteria counts and H₂S‐producing bacteria counts by about 1.7 and 2.1 log cycles, respectively. The growth of Gram‐negative spoilage bacteria in shrimp, including Shewanella spp., Aeromonas spp., and Pseudomonas spp., was inhibited by MA packaging, but the growth rate of Gram‐positive bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Brochothrix spp. were less affected by MA as effectively as Gram‐negative bacteria. In comparison with the MA‐packaged samples, the counts of H₂S producers in shrimp under a CO₂‐enriched atmosphere with 20% O₂ were slightly lower than the count in samples under an atmosphere with 5% O₂. However, MA with 20% O₂ led to higher concentrations of TVB‐N, and lower whiteness values and sensory scores. The shelf life of shrimp under 80% CO₂/10% O₂/10% N₂ has been prolonged by > 6 d in comparison with the control according to the sensory scores.     

Susceptibility of different life stages of saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) to modified atmospheres enriched with carbon dioxide

The susceptibility of the different life stages of the saw-toothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis to different modified atmospheres (MAs) containing various concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) was studied as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation at 30 °C and 65 ± 5% relative humidity (r.h.). The tested MAs were 55%, 65%, 75% and 85% CO₂ gas in the air. Mortality (%) was recorded after exposure periods of 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Larvae and adults were more susceptible while eggs and pupae were more tolerant to CO₂. A two-day exposure period was adequate to completely kill larvae and adults under all tested MAs. All eggs and pupae were killed after four days of exposure to the high-CO₂ atmospheres (75% and 85%).     

Pretreating Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) eggs in mung bean with modified atmosphere conditions influence its adult emergence and survival

Cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) is a cosmopolitan pest that causes economic losses to legumes during storage. The present study determined the post-effects of exposing the C. maculatus eggs in mung bean to modified atmosphere (MA) conditions on the emergence and development of adults at ambient conditions (28 ± 3 °C and 65 ± 5% RH). The 24 h old C. maculatus eggs on mung bean kernel were packed with 500 g of mung bean in nylon/linear low-density polyethylene (nylon/LLDPE) bags (12.5 × 30 cm; 80 μm thick) and sealed with air (control), 100% CO₂, 100% N₂, and vacuum for 48 h. The very low O₂ conditions in the MA package had significantly caused longer onset and developmental duration of egg to adult emergence and significantly reduced the adult emergence percentage of C. maculatus, especially those in the vacuum treatment. This was due to low pressure that disrupted the structure of the eggs as indicated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the MA conditions shortened the adult emergence duration, longevity, and mortality duration. The number of females was also reduced by the low O₂ conditions, particularly in those treated with vacuum. Eggs pretreated with the MA conditions probably affected the biomolecules of the eggs that in turn have affected the growth and development of the insect, with the order of effectivity highest in vacuum followed by 100% N₂ then 100% CO₂.     

Atmosphere composition effects on Burlat cherry colour during cold storage

Carbon dioxide‐enriched atmospheres are used to reduce the incidence and severity of cherry decay and to extend postharvest life. Freshly harvested Burlat cherries were placed in jars at 5 °C for 10 days and ventilated with five different atmospheres: (a) air, (b) 12% CO₂–4% O₂, (c) 12% CO₂–20% O₂, (d) 5% CO₂–4% O₂, and (e) 5% CO₂–20% O₂. Samples were analysed when harvested and after 5 and 10 days of cold storage. Best results were obtained with cherries kept in high‐CO₂ atmospheres, independently of O₂ concentration. In these conditions the cherries present a higher acidity level (0.65 vs 0.60 g malic acid per 100 ml) and a lower anthocyanin content (0.40 vs 0.48 mg g^?1). As a consequence of this, h^* (18 vs 20.5) and C^* (24 vs 39) values are lower, which makes the cherries visually more reddish and less obscure and therefore more attractive for consumers. In addition, cherries kept in high‐CO₂ atmospheres present lower levels of peroxidase (469 vs 737 au g^?1) and polyphenoloxidase (73 vs 146 au g^?1) activities, which favours postharvest stability of colour. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

The shelf-life of beef steaks treated with dl-lactic acid and antioxidants and stored under modified atmospheres

Beef steaks were treated with 1.5% lactic acid alone or supplemented with antioxidants (0.1% rosemary extract and 0.05% ascorbic acid). The steaks were stored under modified atmospheres containing either 60% O₂/40% CO₂ or 70% O₂/20% CO₂/10% N₂. Both the 40% CO₂ atmosphere and the lactic acid treatment significantly (P<0.05) inhibited growth of lactic acid bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Pseudomonas spp. Neither CO₂ in the pack atmosphere, treatment with lactic acid, nor a combination of both, affected formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, myoglobin oxidation, or CIE a^* values. However, treatment with antioxidants significantly (P<0.05) delayed oxidation of both myoglobin and lipids, and so extended the storage-life.     

Preservation of precut white cheese by modified atmosphere packaging

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on storage stability and quality of precut fresh and aged white cheese were investigated. Fresh or aged white cheese was cut into small cubes and packaged in five different atmospheres [0% O₂ + 0% CO₂ + 100% N₂ (MAP1), 10% O₂ + 0% CO₂ + 90% N₂ (MAP2), 0% O₂ + 75% CO₂ + 25% N₂ (MAP3), 10% O₂ + 75% CO₂ + 15% N₂ (MAP4) and aerobic (air)]. Control samples were packaged in brine and vacuum for fresh and aged white cheese, respectively. Changes in gas composition, total plate count, lactococci, lactobacilli, yeast and mould counts, proteolysis, lipolysis, pH, colour, texture and sensory properties were investigated during refrigerated storage. The best packaging treatment for the fresh cheese was MAP3, as it inhibited mould growth and protected the hardness. MAP2 can be recommended for the packaging of the aged cheese, as it decreased lipolysis.     

Modified atmosphere influences aflatoxin B1 contamination and quality of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) kernels cv. Khon Kaen 84-8

Storage of ‘Khon Kaen 84-8’ peanut kernels in laminated bags (Low density polyethylene (LDPE)/Nylon) (20×30 cm; 120 μm thickness) under different packaging atmospheres had effect on quality, fungal occurrence and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) contamination. During fifteen week storage, peanuts (6.4% moisture content) were kept under different packaging atmospheres with some inoculated (Inoc.) and without (Non-Inoc.) aflatoxin producing fungus Aspergillus flavus. The treatments include; 100% CO₂+Inoc., 100% N₂+Inoc., vacuum + Inoc., Air + Inoc., and Air + Non-Inoc. packed with only ambient air. The storage room conditions were a temperature of 29±2 °C and 70 ± 5% r. h. Mycobiota occurrence, AFB₁ level, moisture content, lipase activity, free fatty acids and rancidity (Thiobarbituric acid; TBA value) were investigated. A total of five major fungi were identified with four storage fungi and one field fungus; Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium spp., and Fusarium spp., respectively. Packaging in 100% CO₂+Inoc. significantly repressed the fungal occurrence especially A. niger while all other packaging atmospheres suppressed proliferation of both R. stolonifer and Penicillium spp. The peanuts kept in vacuum + Inoc. package revealed AFB₁ level below detection limit (0.4 μg/kg). Peanut kernels in 100% CO₂+Inoc. packaging atmosphere maintained an acceptable color indicated by L* and a* values, as well as the color change (ΔE) compared to other treatments. Different packaging atmospheres showed variable results in relation to the free fatty acids level with packaging under 100% N₂ revealing the lowest. Subsequently, 100% N₂ packaging atmosphere relatively inhibited rancidity occurrence in peanut kernels during storage. The results of this study portray that 100% CO₂, 100% N₂ and vacuum packaging atmosphere could have a potential to suppress occurrence of mycobiota, maintain peanut kernel quality in relation to color and lipid oxidation, and as well curtail AFB₁ contamination respectively, for fifteen weeks or more given the quality of kernels at the end of storage.     

Controlled and modified atmospheres influence chilling injury,fruit quality and antioxidative system of Japanese plums (Prunus salicina Lindell)

Our objective was to compare the effects of controlled atmosphere (CA) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on fruit quality, chilling injury (CI) and pro‐ and antioxidative systems in ‘Blackamber’ Japanese plums. Matured fruit were stored for 5 and 8 weeks at 0–1 °C in normal air, CA‐1 (1% O₂ + 3% CO₂), CA‐2 (2.5% O₂ + 3% CO₂) and MAP (~10% O₂ and 3.8% CO₂). CA was more effective than MAP in retention of flesh firmness and titratable acidity during cold storage. Fruit stored in CA‐1 showed reduced CI and membrane lipid peroxidation after 5 and 8 weeks of cold storage. Low O₂ atmospheres appeared to limit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their efficient scavenging through the concerted action of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. The role of ascorbate–glutathione (AsA–GSH) cycle in the regulation of oxidative stress was also studied during and after storage in different atmospheres. In conclusion, optimum CA conditions delayed fruit ripening and CI through augmentation of antioxidative metabolism and suppression of oxidative processes.     

Susceptibility of different life stages of Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) and almond moth Ephestia cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) to modified atmospheres enriched with carbon dioxide

The susceptibility of the different life stages of the Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella and almond moth Ephestia (Cadra) cautella to different modified atmospheres (MAs) containing various concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) was studied as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation at 27 °C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity (r.h.). The MAs tested were 40%, 60% and 80% CO₂ in air at different exposure times. Results showed that five days were adequate to kill all eggs and pupae of the two moths under all tested MAs. Exposure time needed to be extended to 6 and 7 days at 80% CO₂ to obtain complete mortality of larva of E. cautella and P. interpunctella, respectively. The order of sensitivity of P. interpunctella to MAs was: egg = pupa > larva, while for E. cautella it was: pupa > egg > larva. Generally, eggs and pupae of P. interpunctella were more sensitive to MAs than those of E. cautella but the larvae of the latter were more sensitive.     

Weight loss and mortality of three life stages of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) when exposed to four modified atmospheres

Larvae, pupae, and adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were exposed to atmospheres containing high nitrogen (N₂) or carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations at about 50% r.h. and 27°C for periods up to 72 hr. Overall, 99% N₂ caused greater mortality in adults than did 58% CO₂ while 58% CO₂ was more effective against pupae. The difference in mortality to larvae exposed to the two atmospheres was not significant, though 99% N₂ produced greater mortalities by 48 hr. Also, the differences in mortality for larvae and pupae exposed to atmospheres of 58% CO₂ and 97% CO₂ were not significant though 97% CO₂ caused a significantly greater mortality in adults than did 58% CO₂. Both mortality and weight loss of all life stages tested were small when the insects were exposed to an atmosphere of 97% N₂, but weight loss was generally small and mortality was large for those insects exposed to 97% CO₂.When overall weight loss was compared for those insects exposed to 58% CO₂ and 99% N₂, larval weight loss was greater for those exposed to the CO₂ atmosphere; pupal weight loss was not significantly different between the two atmospheres; adult weight loss was greater for those exposed to the N₂ atmosphere.     

Effectiveness of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma evanescens preventing rice moth from infesting stored bagged commodities

Experiments were carried out in the laboratory with the aim of accessing the effectiveness and parasitism by Trichogramma evanescens to prevent Corcyra cephalonica from infesting rice in paper and jute bags. Eight small jute or paper bags filled with 5 kg of organic rice grains were prepared and the openings sealed. Sentinel egg cards were prepared with thirty fresh eggs of C. cephalonica glued onto small pieces of paper cardboard. Eight sentinel egg cards were introduced into a plastic box measuring 60 × 40 × 21 cm, i.e four cards on top surface of the bag and the box bottom, respectively. Approximately 500 adults of T. evanescens were released 10–30 cm away from the egg cards. The control boxes contained no parasitoids; there were five replicates for all treatments and controls. Two experimental conditions were tested, i) placing a single T. evanescens-release unit with sentinel egg cards placed every 3–4 days without any further replacement of the release unit for three weeks, ii) both new host eggs and T. evanescens release units were replaced every 3–4 days. Mean emergence of C. cephalonica was significantly (p > 0.001) suppressed by the release of T. evanescens. There was statistically no significant difference on the number of emerged moths on paper bag compared to jute bag. All sentinel egg patches were visited by T. evanescens. There was no correlation between the distance (10–30 cm) at which the sentinel egg cards were placed away from the T. evanescens release point and the number of parasitized C. cephalonica eggs. There was no decrease in parasitism over time. The results demonstrate that T. evanescens has the potential for host-location ability and parasitism of C. cephalonica both on paper and jute bags. This parasitoid could be a promising candidate for the biological control of moth pests in bagged stored products.     

Control of microbial growth and rancidity in rabbit carcasses by modified atmosphere packaging

Half‐carcasses of rabbit packed under four different modified atmospheres (MA; A: 30% CO₂ + 70% O₂; B: 30% CO₂ + 30% O₂ + 40% N₂; C: 40% CO₂ + 60% N₂; D: 80% CO₂ + 20% O₂) and stored at 1 °C over 20 days, were assessed in relation to bacteria (total viable counts (TVC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas) and rancidity development as 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). None of the MA tested produced mean counts greater than 5 log CFU cm^?2 for TVC and LAB, or greater 2 log CFU cm^?2 for Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. All MA showed an inhibitory effect on microbial growth, especially on growth of the spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae. This inhibition was more relevant in atmospheres with higher CO₂ concentrations (types C and D). Significant differences in rancidity levels between MA types (p < 0.01) were observed 10 days post‐packing. In general these values were higher in MA type A, which showed a significant increase in TBARS values (p < 0.05) over time. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry