Journal Algérien des Régions Arides

Assessment Of Storage Practices And Preservation Efficiency For Deglet Nour Dates In Cold Warehouses

Auteurs : Elbar Djenette .

Résumé

The primary aim of this research endeavor is to pinpoint the key obstacles encountered within the date production and storage processes. This is achieved through a comprehensive and detailed survey carried out in the Ziban-Biskra region, a prominent date-producing area. The survey specifically targets ten cold storage facilities and date packing plants. The detailed investigations at these facilities involved gathering extensive data on their operations, infrastructure, and practices. To further enhance the accuracy and depth of the study, the survey data was supplemented by continuous monitoring of the quality attributes and dehydration levels observed in the predominant Deglet Nour date variety during its storage period. This monitoring aimed to track the changes in the dates' characteristics over time and under different storage conditions. A thorough analysis of the compiled survey results brings to light the fact that cold storage techniques applied to dates are not yet fully optimized or consistently implemented. This indicates a significant gap in the understanding and application of best practices within the industry. The analysis further highlights a noticeable deficiency in adequate technical support and resources available to storage facilities. A crucial factor contributing to the storage challenges is the insufficient equipment in these facilities, particularly the absence of humidifiers, which are essential for maintaining appropriate humidity control. The lack of humidity control directly contributes to the premature development of various defects observed during storage, compromising the quality and marketability of the dates. Specific defects detected during the storage period include the unwelcome appearance of glucose spots on the outer skin of the dates, a common issue affecting a significant proportion of the stored product (40% for uncovered DNdates and 39% for covered DNdates). This defect is followed by the manifestation of glucose spots on the inner skin of the dates (affecting 19.5% of uncovered DNdates and 21% of covered DN dates). Furthermore, the growth of mold was also observed (in 16% of uncovered Deglet Nour dates and 13% of covered DNdates), alongside the presence of traces of fermentation (in 29% of uncovered Deglet Nour dates and 27% of covered DNdates). The undesirable loss of water content was also a notable concern (recorded at 11% for uncovered DNdates and 6% for covered DNdates). These various defects collectively contribute to a significant degradation of the overall date quality prior to export, presenting a substantial economic risk to the industry and ultimately threatening the collective agricultural wealth associated with date production in the region.

Mots clés

Deglet Nour date ; storage processes ; Specific defects,