Preservation of Dry Dates by cobalt-60 Gamma Radiation

The present work was carried out to improve the quality and shelflife of local dry date fruit variety of Pakistan, Aseel by using different gamma irradiation doses and to examine the effect of gamma irradiation treatment on infestation and microbial load. Dry dates were found to be contaminated with aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeast and molds. Different fungal species and E.coli were detected in irradiated and control samples. When different gamma radiation doses were applied, complete inhibition of insect growth for upto 6 months was achievable however microbial growth was not reduced to acceptable level which can be lowered by prior physico-chemical treatment.