Application of Modified Atmospheres to Control Stegobium paniceum and Lasioderma serricorne Infestation of Stored Chamomile and Coriander and Its Effect On Product Quality

Abstract Medicinal and spices plants are crucial, and they can become infested by several insects, such as drugstore beetle ( Stegobium paniceum l. ) and the cigarette beetle ( Lasioderma serricorne ), during storage. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of enriched modified atmospheres (MAs), with CO 2 or N 2 , on L. serricorne and S. paniceum adults and larvae and their effect on quality of chamomile flowers and coriander seeds during storage. Various carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas concentrations were tested, including 40% CO 2 , 50% CO 2 , 60% CO 2 , 97% N 2 , and 98% N 2 . The larval mortality for S. paniceum reached 100% after 6 days of 60% CO 2 and 8 days for the L. serricorne . At 98% N 2 treatment, the complete mortality (100%) of S. paniceum and L. serricorne adults was recorded following 3 and 9 day exposures and of larvae following 10 day exposure. The quality parameters (weight loss percentage, germination, essential oil percentage, and color) of chamomile flower and coriander seeds treated with 60% CO 2 and control were studied after 3 and 6 months of storage. The MAs had the lowest weight loss percentage, the highest lightness value, the lowest color changes, and the highest essential oil content of chamomile flower and coriander seeds compared with the control treatment. Additionally, the MAs induced a higher germination percentage of coriander seeds compared with the control. Treatment with CO 2 increased some essential oils compounds, compared with control after 6 months of storage of chamomile. All compounds were decreased in coriander seeds treated with CO 2 , except for carvone and anethole, which were increased. In conclusion, our study recommends using MAs to control S. paniceum and L. serricorne during storage and maintain the quality of chamomile flower and coriander seed.