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%).     

Protective effect of nanosilica on irradiated dates against saw toothed grain beetle,Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) adults

The insecticidal activity of nanosilica particles (NSPs) [20 ± 4 nm] was determined using the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L) adults as the experimental insect. When the unsexed adults were exposed to different doses of nanosilica (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mg/Petri dish) for different periods (1, 2 and 3 days), it was found that NSPs had more insecticidal activity against O. surinamensis. Moreover, it was found that as the exposure time and dose increased, the mortality percentages of the adults increased. When the adult fed on irradiated dates which treated with different doses of nanosilica (0.5, 1,2 and 4 mg/1date) the mortality was higher than in nanosilica alone. The LD₅₀ of the bioassay tests showed that the calculated LD₅₀ values of each treatment were 0.468, 1.201 and 0.572 mg/1date. The adult of O. surinamensis (untreated, treated with LD₅₀ of nanosilica and fed on unirradiated or irradiated dates) examined by a scanning electron microscope. The examination showed the same malformations in all treatments which caused abrasion and damage on the outer surface. Nanosilica can be effectively replacing chemical insecticides to protect stored products.     

Developmental and reproductive biology of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) on seven commodities

This study examines the effect of semolina, cracked wheat, maize flour, cracked maize, whole oat flakes, whole barley flour and cracked barley on the developmental and reproductive biology of the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae). The pest completed its development at all tested commodities except semolina and cracked wheat, while females did not produce eggs on maize flour and cracked barley. The developmental time of larvae was significantly longer when O. surinamensis fed on whole oat flakes (20.3 days) and whole barley flour (19.2 days) compared with maize flour (16.6 days) or cracked maize (17.2 days). The developmental duration of larvae fed on cracked barley (18.3 days) did not differ significantly when fed on cracked maize or whole barley flour, but it was significantly longer compared to maize flour and significantly shorter compared to whole oat flakes. The tested commodities did not affect the pupal development, which ranged between 4.6 and 4.7 days. The highest fecundity was recorded when O. surinamensis fed on cracked maize (4.8 eggs/female) and whole oat flakes (0.3 eggs/female). The tested commodities also affected the risk of death of O. surinamensis and its mean survival time. The shortest survival time was recorded on cracked wheat (11.1 days) while the longest was on cracked maize and whole oat flakes (37.8 and 42.2 days, respectively). The calculation of demographic parameters was feasible only on cracked maize. The net reproductive rate, the intrinsic rate of increase, the finite rate of increase and the mean generation time were 1.48 females/female, 0.01 females/female/day, 1.01 and 37.1 days, respectively. These results may be useful for improving the knowledge on the biology of this species and its potential spread.     

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     

Prevalence of sensitization to extracts from particular life stages of the saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis) in citizens of selected suburban areas of Southern Poland

Many species of insects are agricultural pests which cause not only economic losses but also allergies in humans. The subject of this study was to identify important antigens from the saw-toothed grain beetle – Oryzaephilus surinamensis [OS]. Sera of 30 patients from a suburban population of Upper Silesia (Southern Poland) were tested for the presence of IgE antibodies to antigens from particular active life stages of OS (larvae, pupae and adults of both sexes). The collected proteins were fractionated by SDS PAGE and identified by Western blot. The patient's antibodies against particular antigens were identified using anti-human anti-IgE monoclonal antibody. The conducted studies showed the existence of many protein fractions for each life stage of OS which give positive reactions with IgE antibodies. The largest number of allergenic potential fractions was shown in females (23 protein fractions) and pupae (22 protein fractions) while smaller amount was shown in larvae (18 protein fractions) and males (14 protein fractions). Majority of the sera (25/30) showed positive reactions to protein fractions 25–29 kDa and 30–34 kDa from pupae of OS. The obtained results may indicate the existence of many protein fractions with an allergenic properties in OS. It also should be stressed that all life stages of this storage insect may provoke allergic reactions in exposed subjects.     

Feeding substrate and temperature interplay determining infestations and losses by the sawtoothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis)

Sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), is a secondary pest of stored products and one of the serious insect pests of cereal grains, commodities and packaged food throughout the world. However, this species is a concern beyond cereal grains, what may be differentially affected by temperature. Therefore, insect developmental time, larva and pupa survival, and adult emergence of O. surinamensis were assessed on different substrates (rice, sesame and date palm) at different temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35 °C and 65% r.h). The substrate loss incurred by this insect infestation was also recorded. The larval stage was the main determinant for the overall developmental time of the sawtoothed grain beetle, regardless of the substrate and temperature tested. Adult emergence was affected by substrate (F_2,48 = 4.50, P = 0.02) and particularly temperature (F_3,48 = 24.94, P < 0.001), but not their interaction (F_6,48 = 0.40, P = 0.87), exhibiting little variation until reaching 30 °C, but with a quick decline at 35 °C. The performance of the insects in rice was better, and worse in dry date. Furthermore, the survival was inversely related to substrate loss, regardless of the substrate used for rearing the sawtoothed grain beetle. Thus, substrate and temperature range are major determinants of sawtoothed grain beetle infestation with consequences for this species management.     

食物及挥发物对米象、玉米象及锯谷盗诱集效果的研究

针对为减少粮食损失、减少熏蒸剂的用量,而运用食物引诱剂对仓虫监控和防治这一重要课题,本研究在实验室条件下测试2种食物和4种食物中对害虫有引诱作用的有效化学成分单一或组合时对3种害虫的诱集效果,从而筛选出对每种实验昆虫诱集效果最佳的诱集物配比方案。试验表明,对米象诱集效果最好的组合为香草醛(0.012 g)+二氯甲烷(0.5 m L)+亚油酸(2.5 m L)+二十烷(0.02 g),诱集率最高可以达到65.2%;对玉米象诱集效果最好的为单一米糠,诱集率可达74%;对锯谷盗诱集效果最好的是单一的诱集物香草醛,诱集率最高可以达到64%以上。     

Feeding and egg-laying preferences of the sawtoothed grain beetle Oryzaephilus surinamensis: Beyond cereals and cereal products

The insect's response to various living substrates is an important determinant for their life history and demography reflected in their feeding and egg-laying preferences. However, research on polyphagous stored product insects such as the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), are largely focused on cereal grains neglecting its alternative hosts. Therefore, this study examines the effect of a range of 16 host substrates including dry fruits, nuts, oil and legume seeds on insect development, survival, and adult emergence of the sawtoothed grain beetle, besides of also determining the feeding substrate weight loss. Overall, the feeding substrates exhibited a significant and different effect on O. surinamensis, except egg incubation time and length of the pupal period. The longest larval periods were observed on legumes followed by oilseeds and (dry) fruits. The highest survival and adult emergence were recorded on fruits and nuts, except raisin, but significantly lower than when fed on legume seeds, including soybean. The losses in fruits and nuts were higher, particularly on almonds and cashew. Larva development was inversely correlated to survival and adult emergence, which were positively correlated to substrate loss. Our study indicated that several non-grain commodities such as (dry) fruits and nuts are rather suitable substrates for the population growth of O. surinamensis, an additional concern for in international trade.     

Effect of dehydration on the quality and storage stability of immature dates (Pheonix dactylifera)

Dates (Pheonix dactylifera) harvested from Kutch district of Gujarat, India were processed for the development of dehydrated dates. Dates grown in the Kutch region of Gujarat are harvested before maturation, i.e. Khalal stage to prevent spoilage caused due to rains. The processing and dehydration conditions for the preparation of dehydrated dates from immature date fruits were evaluated. Processing of dates by blanching in water at 96±1 °C and subsequent dehydration at 60±2 °C for 18-20 h resulted in good quality dehydrated dates as compared to the dates dried without heat treatment. The dehydrated dates were found to be acceptable with respect to colour, flavour, taste and overall quality. The dehydrated dates contained a total sugars of 520 g kg⁻¹, reducing sugars of 415.1 g kg⁻¹, tannins 13.5 g kg⁻¹ and ascorbic acid 33.7 mg kg⁻¹. Equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) of the dehydrated dates was found to be 75.9% with an initial moisture content of 159 g kg⁻¹. The dehydrated dates packed in 75 μ low-density polyethylene packaging material were shelf stable for 6 months at room temperature. The dehydrated dates remained acceptable during the storage period.     

Effect of packaging chickpeas with CO2 modified atmospheres on mortality of Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

High CO₂ modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is a sustainable alternative for pest control in stored products. The effectiveness of this method varies depending on the CO₂ concentration used, insect exposure time, temperature, humidity, the tested insect species, and the insect's stage of development. One factor that substantially influences the concentration of CO₂ available inside the packages, and therefore the effectiveness of the treatment, is the sorption of gas in the commodity. This study evaluated the impacts of packaging chickpeas in modified atmospheres of 50% and 90% CO₂ with filling ratios (proportion of grain relative to the volume of the package) of 1% and 96% grain on the mortality of C. chinensis eggs and pupae and on the fecundity of the females emerging from the surviving individuals. In packages with a 96% filling ratio, CO₂ concentration in the headspace of packages reduced to 60% and 30% from initial concentrations of 90% and 50% (respectively) in the first 24 h of exposure. Despite this reduction in CO₂ concentrations, no differences in the mortality of C. chinensis eggs and pupae were observed between these packages and those with a 1% filling ratio. The estimated exposure time to achieve 95% mortality (LT₉₅) of the eggs ranged from 38 to 68 h; for pupae, it ranged from 142 to 248 h. The fecundity of females that emerged from the surviving pupae decreased after 48 h of exposure to CO₂, but the fecundity of females that emerged from surviving eggs was not affected by exposure time, MAPs, or filling ratio. Therefore, effective pest control can be accomplished with the use of sufficient treatment times to eradicate the most tolerant developmental stages, regardless of whether the packages are full or not.     

The influence of photoperiod upon the productivity of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae)

The productivity per female of the Tangmere and Thorne strains of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) was studied at 25 °C, 70% r.h. in continuous dark (DD) and in 12 h cycles of light and dark (LD 12:12), in which the illumination intensity of the photophase was 100-200 lx. Intra- and reciprocal inter-strain crosses indicated that whilst productivity did not differ between the crosses in DD, the productivity of the Thorne females was suppressed in LD 12:12. When the F₁ hybrid progeny, reared under either light condition, were back-crossed with Tangmere in LD 12:12, differences in productivity were not detected, but a heterotic effect was indicated. Whereas photoperiodic conditions did not influence the productivity of the F₁ hybrid progeny, productivity of the Thorne strain was influenced. Adults of this strain cultured under a particular photoperiod were less productive in the alternative photoperiod.An increase in illumination intensity to 700-800 lx suppressed the productivity of additional strains, including the Tangmere strain in LD 12:12. However, an intermediate level of productivity was observed in several of these strains in constant light at this intensity. Therefore, the productivity of the Tangmere and Thorne strains was assessed during the scoto- and photophases at this increased illumination intensity. Preliminary experiments indicated that the disturbance associated with the experimental method also suppressed productivity over a 12-h cycle. Therefore, an artificial photoperiod of LD 24:24 was used to minimise this effect after a 3-week entrainment period. The productivity of both strains was greater in the scotophase than in the photophase and suggests that the suppression of productivity in LD 12:12 was associated with the difference between the phases of this photoperiod.     

Date syrup: Effect of hydrolytic enzymes (pectinase/cellulase) on physico-chemical characteristics, sensory and functional properties

This work is a contribution to give value addition to second grade dates (with hard texture) by the production of enzymatically treated syrup with high commercial value. It was observed that the pulp:water at ratio 1:3 treated with 50 U of pectinase and 5 U of cellulase during 120 min at 50 °C gave the highest recovery of total soluble solids (72.37 g of total soluble solids/100 g fresh basis) and the lower turbidity (186.45 NTU) compared with control without enzyme addition (Total soluble solids yields: 66.34 g of total soluble solids/100 g fresh basis and turbidity: 1513 NTU). physico-chemical measurements indicated that carbohydrates were predominant in all date varieties as well as their syrups (∼69.59-83.76 g/100 g dry matter in dates and ∼62.14-74.68 g/100 g fresh weight in syrup). Allig variety was characterised by a high content of reducing sugars content (∼77.91 g/100 g dry matter), contrary to Deglet Nour (∼23.17 g/100 g dry matter) and Kentichi (∼21.3 g/100 g dry matter).The CIE L∗ a∗ b∗ colour values of the enzyme-treated date syrup of Deglet Nour, Allig and Kentichi variety showed lighter colours (L∗ values ranging from 24.16 to 44) than the control without enzyme (L∗ values ranging from 0.545 to 17.2). Hedonic evaluation showed that enzyme-treated date syrup was more appreciated by consumers. Microbiological study showed that date syrups were free from aerobes, moulds, coliforms and enterobacteriaceae and were microbiologically stable during five months storage. Results suggested that enzymatic treatment could be used for production of date syrup with high commercial value     

The effect of holding adult Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae) at different temperatures on their subsequent susceptibility to malathion

There is reason to believe that the temperature prior to exposure may effect the response of adult Oryzaephilus surinamensis to the recommended discriminating dose test for malathion resistance. Experiments were carried out in which four malathion resistant strains of O. surinamensis were kept at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C for two weeks prior to testing at 25 C. It was found that conditioning at the lower temperatures resulted in a significantly higher knockdown than conditioning at the higher temperatures. For each 5°C fall in conditioning temperature there was a 7.5% increase in knockdown. Chemical analysis showed that in the first hour of exposure more malathion was taken up by the beetles conditioned at lower temperatures than by those conditioned at the higher temperatures.     

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.     

The influence of wheat kernel damage upon the development and productivity of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae)

The development and productivity of a British strain of Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) originally collected from wheat, and an Indian strain collected from rice, were studied at 25°C, 70% r.h. on kibbled wheat. Seven grades of the wheat cultivar “Flanders” were used: whole grains (minimal damage), five levels of kibbling with mean particle sizes of 3182.5 μm (grade 10) to 993.8 μm (grade 2), and wholemeal flour.

In both strains, the longest mean developmental period (0–1-day-old larva to adult) and highest mortality occurred on whole kernels. On all diets the Indian strain took, on average 2.6 days longer than the British strain. An increase in kernel damage from grade 8 (mean particle size of 2680.1 μm) did not significantly shorten development (27.3 days) or increase productivity of the Indian strain. For the British strain, development on grade 8 (25.8 days) did not significantly differ from that on all kibbled grades of wheat, including wholemeal flour. The productivity of the British strain did not differ significantly between the kibbled wheat grades and was considerably less than that of the Indian strain on all diets.

The results for both strains suggest that a minimum level of kernel damage is necessary for optimal development and productivity, and that further kibbling has little effect. This minimum level is considered to be that achieved by grade 8 kibbling.     

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.     

The effect of mating on the sex pheromone system of the yellow mealworm beetle,Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The mating behavior of the yellow mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor L.) is mediated by several pheromones, including a female-produced male attractant, (R)-(+)-4-methylnonanol (4-MNol); a male-produced female attractant, (Z)-3-dodecenyl acetate; a male-produced anti-aphrodisiac; and at least one copulation pheromone. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mating on this complicated pheromone system. Glass rod bioassays were conducted to determine the response of virgin adult male beetles to the surface extracts of adult female beetles, prepared from virgin females, females allowed to mate once (extracted 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 h after mating), and females allowed to mate over an extended period of time (0, 1, or 21 h). Mating caused an immediate but temporary inhibition of the ability of the female extracts (FEs) to attract the males. This wore off relatively quickly, since FEs prepared 0.5–1 h after mating were as attractive as the virgin FE. Two hours after mating a second inhibition of attraction was observed, which was likely due to a drop in the titer of 4-MNol. Gas chromatographic analyses confirmed that the level of 4-MNol dropped after mating, from ∼40 ng per virgin female to below our levels of detection in mated females. A single mating event, or the 1 h extended mating, did not significantly affect the ability of the FEs to elicit copulation behavior (CB) from the males. However, FEs prepared after an extended mating (21 h) were significantly less able to attract males and to elicit CB. This is the first in depth study of the effect of a single and extended mating on sex pheromone production by a coleopteran species. In the long term, a greater understanding of the regulation of pheromone production could be useful for the manipulation of pest populations.     

Technological properties of date paste obtained from date by-products and its effect on the quality of a cooked meat product

Fresh date processing (picking, storage or conditioning) may lead to date losses. Such by-products from fresh dates (Medjoul variety) can be processed to prepare date paste. Chemical composition, physicochemical and technological properties of this date paste were determined regarding its potential application as an ingredient in the elaboration of meat products. The date paste had a high content of sugars (53.00 g/100 g) especially reducing sugars (fructose and glucose), total and insoluble dietary fiber (7.00 g/100 g and 4.04 g/100 g, respectively) and natural antioxidants (polyphenol content; 225 mg GAE/100 g). Its emulsion capacity was 57.00 mL/100 mL and it showed also a high emulsion stability (98.59 mL/100 mL). The addition of up to 15% date paste in the formulation of bologna-type products leads to the enhancement of the nutritional (lower fat content and higher fiber content than control) and technological quality (redder-colored and less hard, chewy and cohesive product than the control) together with a satisfactory sensory quality.     

Comparative tarsal morphology of two secondary stored product beetle pests,Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) and Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), that vary in their climbing ability on smooth surfaces

Oryzaephilus surinamensis and Cryptolestes ferrugineus are serious secondary pests that infest commodities and packaged food. Both species differ in their climbing ability on smooth surfaces, such as the surfaces of packages or grains. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tarsal and inter-claw adhesive structures of the species differ significantly. To test this hypothesis, we morphologically described and compared (quantitatively and qualitatively) the claws and setal structures on the tarsi and claws of O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main difference found was in the presence and/or quantity of tarsal and inter-claw adhesive structures between O. surinamensis and C. ferrugineus. The profound morphological differences regarding the presence and higher quantity of adhesive structures can explain why O. surinamensis is a better climber than C. ferrugineus on inclined smooth surfaces. The shape of the claws was similar in both species, but those of C. ferrugineus were slightly shorter and sharper (i.e., claw tip radius = 1.17 μm) than those of O. surinamensis (tip radius = 1.63 μm), indicating that C. ferrugineus is better morphologically adapted to move over rough material with smaller asperities. The obtained results suggest that the presence or absence of adhesive tarsal structures can be used for assessment of the ability of various pests to move on smooth surfaces of packaging or grains. The outcomes of the work may also provide inspiration to material and biomimetic scientists to improve pest-proof packaging material with anti-adhesive properties.     

Chemical and aroma volatile compositions of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits at three maturation stages

The effect of maturity stage on the physicochemical composition and volatile components of date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) was investigated at three different stages. Total sugars, pH, proteins and ash increased up to the full-ripe stage of all date types. On the contrary, weight, moisture and total lipids decreased across the same period. Pearson’s test established significant differences (p < 0.05) between the different cultivars at each stage for all the parameters. Furthermore, multivariate tests show that the composition and the variation of the chemical compositions mainly depended on the cultivar kind. Eighty volatile compounds were identified during the maturation stages, 43 of them were newly identified in Tunisian date fruits. The profiles of volatile compounds seem to be similar for Degla and Horra varieties. Results from this work revealed essential information about the richness of littoral cultivars in many nutrients and the possibility of their uses as a functional food ingredient.