{"title":"Enhancing postharvest quality and storability of bananas using UV-blocking and antioxidant bionanocomposite coatings enriched with nettle seed essential oil nanoemulsion","authors":"Dilara Konuk Takma , Huriye Gözde Ceylan","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103055","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103055","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biodegradable active packaging systems are emerging as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics for extending food shelf life. Essential oil-based nanoemulsions are effective active components for the development of functional films and coatings. In this study, a novel biopolymer-based nanocomposite film was developed by incorporating nettle seed essential oil nanoemulsions (NEs) into pea protein and fenugreek seed mucilage matrix to enhance UV-blocking, antioxidant, and food preservation properties. NEs prepared with 2–4% nettle essential oil exhibited high stability (-28.90 to -37.07 mV) and nanoscale particle size (146–189 nm). Increasing NE concentration (0–20%, NF0–NF20) significantly influenced film properties, enhancing matrix interactions and structural complexity as confirmed by SEM and FTIR analyses. NE incorporation increased film thickness, while density, water vapor permeability, and solubility remained within a stable range. Oxygen permeability increased at NF10 and NF15, while NF0 and NF20 showed similar and lower values. All films showed strong UV-blocking ability with reduced visible light transmission. Mechanical properties were modulated, with decreased tensile strength (2.30–1.76 MPa) and increased elongation at break (up to 91%), indicating enhanced flexibility. In addition, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity increased with higher NE concentration, demonstrating improved bioactive functionality. Pea protein and fenugreek seed mucilage-based nanocomposite coatings effectively delayed banana softening and maintained firmness, with NF20 showing improved control of peel color changes. Overall, the NE-incorporated films demonstrated potential for active and sustainable food packaging applications by integrating UV protection, antioxidant activity, and improved functional performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103055"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802778","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Min Li , Yonglan Pan , Jingjing Shi , Jun Liao , Yuting Yan , Silin Chen , Fei Su , Runa Zhao , Yue Wang , Lei Gao , Guy Smagghe , Chengxu Wu , Maofa Yang
{"title":"Transgenerational effects of short-term low-temperature stress on development, fecundity, and cold tolerance of Megabruchidius dorsalis","authors":"Min Li , Yonglan Pan , Jingjing Shi , Jun Liao , Yuting Yan , Silin Chen , Fei Su , Runa Zhao , Yue Wang , Lei Gao , Guy Smagghe , Chengxu Wu , Maofa Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103053","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103053","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Megabruchidius dorsalis</em> (Fåhraeus) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a key field and storage pest of <em>Gleditsia sinensis</em> seeds. This study investigated the transgenerational effects of short-term low-temperature stress (5 °C and 10 °C for 1, 3, and 5 days) on the development, fecundity, and cold tolerance of <em>M. dorsalis</em>. The results showed that low-temperature stress significantly prolonged the pre-oviposition of the parental (P) generation and extended adult longevity, indicating a survival-fecundity trade-off strategy. In the F<sub>1</sub> generation, exposure to 10 °C for 1, 3, or 5 days notably extended the egg period, delayed reproductive timing and reduced total fecundity, revealing transgenerational effects. Adult longevity of F<sub>1</sub> generation was significantly influenced by temperature, stress duration, and their interaction, with distinct patterns between mated and unmated individuals and between sexes. The supercooling point (SCP; temperature at which spontaneous nucleation and ice lattice growth begin), increased with prolonged exposure at 5 °C. However, SCP and freezing point (FP; temperature at which insect fluids freeze) decreased under 10 °C treatment with exposure durations from 3 to 5 days. But, neither treatment significantly affected the SCP and FP of F<sub>1</sub> adults. These findings provide novel insights into the life-history adaptations and short-term cold-tolerance strategies of <em>M. dorsalis</em>, highlighting the importance of transgenerational responses for forecasting population dynamics under fluctuating temperature conditions and informing temperature-based pest management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103053"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shanni Lin , Xiaojun Deng , Shiping Xu , Xiyu Su , Chunqian Leng , He Li , Richard C. Hamelin , Guoying Zhou , Yuanhao He
{"title":"Enterobacter hormaechei S27 is a potential biocontrol agent against Camellia oleifera seed mildew","authors":"Shanni Lin , Xiaojun Deng , Shiping Xu , Xiyu Su , Chunqian Leng , He Li , Richard C. Hamelin , Guoying Zhou , Yuanhao He","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103054","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103054","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seed mildew caused by <em>Penicillium crustosum</em> seriously compromises the postharvest quality of <em>Camellia oleifera</em> seeds, leading to seed deterioration and reduced oil quality. In this study, <em>Enterobacter hormaechei</em> S27, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of <em>C. oleifera</em>. and showed broad-spectrum antagonistic activity. The strain exhibited strong in <em>vitro</em> antifungal activity producing by a mean inhibition zone of 19.10 ± 0.3 mm and 94.90% inhibition of spore germination. Optimized fermentation conditions resulted in a 28.2-fold increase in the viable cell count of S27. The optimal wettable powder formulation consisted of bentonite, sodium lignosulfonate, and cyclodextrin, yielding a viable cell count of 6.33 × 10<sup>7</sup> CFU/g and a survival rate of 52.20% after six months of storage. Within 6 d after wounded inoculation, the mildew area on <em>C. oleifera</em> seeds treated with S27 was reduced by 68.63% compared with the control. Under simulated storage conditions, the disease incidence of seeds treated with the S27 wettable powder was 17.65 ± 1.53% at 30 days, representing a 61.45% reduction compared with the control. These results suggest that <em>E. hormaechei</em> S27 is a promising candidate for the biological control of postharvest seed mildew in <em>C. oleifera</em>, although systematic biosafety evaluation is required before practical application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103054"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Entomofauna, mycotoxin accumulation and storage loss dynamics in cereals in the Tshopo province, Democratic Republic of Congo","authors":"Jeremy Berdy , Hervé Ambakina , Papy N'Sevolo , Manon Genva , Rudy Caparros Megido , Frédéric Francis , Marie-Laure Fauconnier","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Post-harvest losses of cereals remain a major challenge for food security in tropical regions, yet data from Central Africa are scarce. This study investigated the entomofauna, mycotoxin contamination, and storage loss dynamics of rice (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L.) and maize (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) stored under traditional conditions in the Tshopo province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Cereals were sampled at nine storage sites across three zones at 0, 30, and 60 days of storage. Insect pests were identified using morphological and molecular approaches, mycotoxins were quantified using immunochromatographic assays validated by UHPLC–MS/MS, and grain quality losses were assessed through weight, moisture, integrity, and germination measurements.</div><div>Stored cereals were dominated by three insect pests: <em>Sitophilus zeamais</em>, <em>Sitotroga cerealella</em>, and <em>Tribolium castaneum</em>, accounting for more than 98% of all collected insects. <em>S. zeamais</em> was ubiquitous and reached high densities in both crops, while <em>S. cerealella</em> showed site-specific infestations, particularly in rice. Aflatoxin contamination was detected in both crops and increased significantly during maize storage, frequently exceeding the European regulatory limit after 60 days in some zones. Fumonisins were detected exclusively in maize at low but consistent concentrations. Grain moisture readings point to a high risk of pre-storage mycotoxin accumulation, with additional in-storage aflatoxin production occurring specifically in stores with the highest moisture levels. Grain quality deteriorated during storage, with significant losses in dry weight, integrity, and germination capacity, particularly in sites with high insect pressure and mycotoxin levels. Correlation analyses revealed strong associations between insect abundance, mycotoxin accumulation, grain moisture content, and grain deterioration. Findings demonstrate that post-harvest losses in stored rice and maize in Tshopo province are driven by synergistic interactions between storage pests and fungal contamination. The study provides the first comprehensive baseline data for the region and highlights the urgent need for improved storage management to reduce food safety risks and cereal losses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103049"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
El-Sayed Gomaa Khater , Adel Hamed Bahnasawy , M. Alhumedi , Atef Fathy Ahmed , Ali Majrashi , Bassem N. Samra , Ramadan ElGamal , Abdallah Elshawadfy Elwakeel , Amged El-Harairy , Mohamed Hamdy Eid , Aml Abubakr Tantawy , Khaled A. Metwally
{"title":"Drying kinetics, moisture diffusivity, and quality preservation of mint leaves using an IoT-assisted hybrid solar dryer with air recirculation","authors":"El-Sayed Gomaa Khater , Adel Hamed Bahnasawy , M. Alhumedi , Atef Fathy Ahmed , Ali Majrashi , Bassem N. Samra , Ramadan ElGamal , Abdallah Elshawadfy Elwakeel , Amged El-Harairy , Mohamed Hamdy Eid , Aml Abubakr Tantawy , Khaled A. Metwally","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103059","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103059","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drying of aromatic herbs such as mint (<em>Mentha spicata L</em>.) is often constrained by unstable environmental conditions, leading to extended drying durations, inefficient energy utilization, and deterioration of product quality. In this study, an advanced IoT-enabled hybrid solar dryer integrating a flat-plate solar collector, LPG-assisted auxiliary heating, and a controlled air recirculation system was developed and experimentally evaluated to provide controlled thermal conditions and enhanced energy efficiency. Drying experiments were conducted at air temperatures of 50, 55, and 60 °C combined with recirculation ratios of 70%, 80%, and 90% under both winter and summer climatic conditions. The system utilized real-time sensing and automated control to dynamically regulate airflow distribution, maintain temperature within ±2 °C, and stabilize relative humidity inside the drying chamber. The drying performance was quantitatively evaluated using moisture ratio, drying rate, effective moisture diffusivity (D<sub>eff</sub>), activation energy, and thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG). The results demonstrated that increasing both drying temperature and recirculation ratio significantly enhanced moisture removal and reduced drying time due to improved heat and mass transfer conditions. Under optimal conditions (60 °C and 80% recirculation), the drying time was reduced to approximately 105–120 min, compared with 180–210 min at lower operating conditions, representing a reduction of nearly 40–50%. The final moisture content decreased from an initial range of 77–87% (wet basis) to 7.5–7.6%, meeting safe storage requirements. The effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 2.7 × 10<sup>−9</sup> to 6.08 × 10<sup>−9</sup> m<sup>2</sup>/s, increasing proportionally with temperature and airflow recirculation, indicating enhanced internal moisture diffusion. Seasonal analysis revealed faster drying under summer conditions; however, the hybrid configuration maintained stable performance across varying ambient conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103059"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shunzhang Ma , Hao Ran , Jinquan Lin , Yuanlin Sun , Lizhen Zhang , Fang Zhong , Sumei Zhou , Dianzhi Hou
{"title":"Unlocking the effects of cold plasma on enhancing the stabilization of oat flour: Insights from storage characteristics, lipidomics, and flavor analysis","authors":"Shunzhang Ma , Hao Ran , Jinquan Lin , Yuanlin Sun , Lizhen Zhang , Fang Zhong , Sumei Zhou , Dianzhi Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cold plasma (CP) treatment, as a non-thermal stabilization strategy, is a promising alternative to heat technology for improving the storage stability of oat flour. In this study, the efficacy of CP treatment on enhancing the storage stability of oat flour was evaluated and the underlying mechanism of lipid oxidation and flavor evolution was explored via lipidomics and GC-MS analysis. Results showed that oats were treated under varying CP conditions, and 40 kV for 90 min was determined as the optimal parameter, which resulted in the inhibition rates of lipase, lipoxygenase, and peroxidase activities reaching 45.6%, 34.8%, and 56.0%, respectively. Furthermore, during 28-day accelerated storage, the activities of three enzymes in CP-treated oat flour were continuously inhibited, and their fatty acid value (9.3%), peroxide value (32.8%), and malondialdehyde content (17.9%) were significantly reduced when compared with the control group. The total phenolic content of oat flour was also remarkably retained by CP treatment. Untargeted lipidomics showed that CP inhibited lipid hydrolysis at the diacylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine stages, blocking free fatty acid release. Although CP transiently increased aldehydes, it ultimately reduced the off-flavor markers and promoted the accumulation of certain pleasant esters during storage. These findings demonstrated that CP enhanced the storage stability of oat flour by modulating lipid metabolic flux through irreversible enzyme inactivation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103058"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bioefficacy and antioxidant enzyme-modulating potential of jellyfish (Acromitus flagellatus) venom against the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) and its application in an insect-resistant biopackaging formulation","authors":"V.D. Samaraweera , T.M.S.U. Gunathilake , A.G.W.U. Perera , D.C.T. Dissanayake","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103057","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103057","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent global increases in jellyfish blooms have highlighted their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. Despite generally negative perceptions, jellyfish remain largely unexplored as sources of insect pest management agents. This study evaluates the insecticidal efficacy of <em>Acromitus flagellatus</em> venom and its application in developing insect-resistant biofilm. Venom extracted from the marginal lappets using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and Tris-buffered saline (TBS) was evaluated for its potential as bio-insecticidal agent against <em>Sitophilus oryzae</em> at 100%, 75%, and 50% concentrations. Insecticidal, repellent, and feeding-deterrent activities were assessed alongside biochemical responses linked to oxidative stress. Chitosan-based biofilms incorporating jellyfish venom, polyethylene glycol, and glutaraldehyde crosslinker were formulated at varying densities (F1–F5), with a control, and characterized for structural, physical, mechanical, and functional properties. Venom treatments exhibited significant concentration- and time-dependent increases in mortality (up to 98.33 ± 3.33%) and repellency (95.00 ± 6.38%), with the highest efficacy observed for PBS-extracted venom (p < 0.05). Feeding activity and growth rates were markedly reduced. Biochemical analyses revealed oxidative stress induction, indicated by decreased reduced GSH levels and increased GSSG, catalase, and peroxidase activities. FTIR analysis confirmed successful incorporation of venom into the chitosan matrix, while increased crosslinking improved mechanical strength and reduced film transparency. Venom-incorporated biofilms exhibited enhanced tensile strength, sustained venom release, and prolonged repellency for up to 35 days. Overall, <em>A. flagellatus</em> venom shows promise as a novel bio-insecticidal agent and functional additive in bio-based packaging. Future work should address compound isolation, safety evaluation, and field-level validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103057"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Exploring Syzygium aromaticum essential oil and its bioactive compounds against Ulomoides dermestoides: insecticidal insights into respiratory integrity","authors":"Angelica Plata-Rueda , Luis Carlos Martínez","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although synthetic chemical insecticides are widely used for controlling stored-product pests, increasing efforts have been directed toward identifying environmentally friendly alternatives. Essential oils (EOs) are considered novel alternatives to pesticide use due to their insecticidal properties. This research characterized the <em>Syzygium aromaticum</em> EO by GC-FID × GC-MS and investigated the effects of this EO and its major compounds on lethality, survival, behavioral activity, and respiratory physiology of <em>Ulomoides dermestoides</em>. Chemical characterization of <em>S. aromaticum</em> EO showed that its principal compounds were eugenol (60.3%), eugenyl acetate (24.1%), β-caryophyllene (5.23%), α-humulene (3.53%), and caryophyllene oxide (2.23%). Toxicological assays demonstrated that <em>S. aromaticum</em> EO (LD<sub>50</sub> = 3.66 μg insect<sup>−1</sup>), eugenol (LD<sub>50</sub> = 3.37 μg insect<sup>−1</sup>), and eugenyl acetate (LD<sub>50</sub> = 3.85 μg insect<sup>−1</sup>) were highly toxic to <em>U. dermestoides</em>, with negligible mortality in the control group. Time–mortality analyses indicated significant reductions in insect survival at both LD<sub>50</sub> and LD<sub>90</sub>, with eugenol producing the strongest lethal effect. Exposure to lethal doses significantly altered the respiration rate of <em>U. dermestoides</em>, with treated insects showing a progressive decline in CO<sub>2</sub> production over time, particularly at higher doses. Additionally, reduced walking distance and increased resting time on surfaces treated with <em>S. aromaticum</em> EO (129 cm and 92 s), eugenol (389 cm and 250 s), and eugenyl acetate (127 cm and 198 s) indicate a clear repellent effect. These findings suggest that <em>S. aromaticum</em> EO affects multiple physiological functions in this insect, opening new avenues for pest control and contributing to the development of innovative insecticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103037"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Design and fabrication of multifunctional ginger essential oil-cassava residue/PBS biodegradable films for mango preservation and anthracnose inhibition","authors":"Wipavee Gungumthonwong , Kanogwan Seraypheap , Duangdao Aht-Ong","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103060","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.103060","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study developed multifunctional biodegradable packaging with enhanced barrier and antifungal properties to extend the postharvest life of ‘Nam Dok Mai’ mangoes. The barrier packaging using poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and cassava residue was fabricated using twin screw extruder and chill-roll cast film extruder. Furthermore, the antifungal activity was enhanced by coating the packaging with a ginger essential oil–chitosan (GEO-C) solution. Incorporation of 10% cassava residue into the PBS matrix significantly enhanced the oxygen barrier properties, resulting in the decrement of the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) to 52.3 cm<sup>3</sup>/m<sup>2</sup>·day·bar. The application of GEO-C coating solution further decreased the OTR to 44.9 cm<sup>3</sup>/m<sup>2</sup>·day·bar, confirming the superior barrier performance of the GEO-C coated composite films. In addition, the GEO-C solution alone also exhibited strong antifungal activity, achieving complete inhibition of fungal growth at the concentration of 40 μL/mL (0 mm colony diameter and 100% inhibition). Consequently, the GEO-C coated composite films based on 10% cassava residue/PBS with 40 μL/mL of GEO-C coating solution demonstrated the most efficient shelf-life extension of ‘Nam Dok Mai’ mangoes up to 15 days. This packaging could delay ripening of mango, as demonstrated by the lowest respiration rate (1039.1 mg CO<sub>2</sub>/kg·h) and ethylene production (0.14 μL/kg·h). Moreover, the mangoes exhibited a low weight loss (2.38%), retained high firmness (0.6 N), and maintained dark green peel color (L-value 64.8 and hue angle 83.8). Therefore, the integration of natural antifungal agents with biodegradable barrier packaging provides a promising strategy for extending shelf life of climacteric fruits during storage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"117 ","pages":"Article 103060"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria Κ. Sakka , Graham Moores , Marina Gourgouta , Mariastela Vrontaki , Christos G. Athanassiou
{"title":"Two peas in a pod: Efficacy of S-methoprene in combination with piperonyl butoxide for the control of different strains of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae)","authors":"Maria Κ. Sakka , Graham Moores , Marina Gourgouta , Mariastela Vrontaki , Christos G. Athanassiou","doi":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.102949","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jspr.2026.102949","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The lesser grain borer, <em>Rhyzopertha dominica</em> (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), is one of the most destructive pests of stored cereals worldwide, and resistance to insect growth regulators such as S-methoprene has been documented in several populations. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of S-methoprene alone and in combination with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) against susceptible (QRD14) and resistant (QRD551) strains of <em>R. dominica</em>. Bioassays were conducted on wheat treated with two concentrations of S-methoprene (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg for QRD14; 10 and 30 mg/kg for QRD551 and two concentrations of PBO (0.27 and 1.35 g/kg). Treatments were applied under three exposure scenarios: (i) sequential application of S-methoprene followed by PBO with a 5-h interval, (ii) sequential application of PBO followed by S-methoprene with a 5-h interval, and (iii) simultaneous application of both compounds. Adult mortality was generally low in both strains, not exceeding 30 % even after 21 d, although the combination. In contrast, progeny production was almost completely suppressed in QRD14 across all treatments, while in the QRD551 strain, progeny suppression was dose-dependent and strongest when S-methoprene at 30 mg/kg was combined with PBO at 1.35 g/kg. These results demonstrate that progeny suppression, rather than adult mortality, is the key effect of S-methoprene against <em>R. dominica</em>, and that PBO can enhance its efficacy, particularly in resistant populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17019,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Stored Products Research","volume":"116 ","pages":"Article 102949"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}