Anolyte is an environmentally safe oxidizing solution that can be used as a biocidal agent. In this work, anolyte water effect (pH 7–7.5; oxidation‐reduction potential 800–850 mV) was studied as an ecologically safe alternative for disinfecting dates. Dates were dipped in anolyte/water solutions at three concentrations (1, 3 and 5%) and for various exposure times (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 min). Total bacterial flora and yeast and molds counts reductions were determined after each treatment. Microbial analysis after treatment showed up to 99.5% reduction of the total count of mesophilic bacteria, and completely eliminated yeast and molds from dates. Tests of optimum condition showed no effect on acidity, sucrose, reducing sugars and moisture content. In addition, sensory evaluation based on a triangle test showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between treated and fresh dates after 6 months of storage, for the following descriptors: taste, odor, texture and color. Practical Applications Deglet Nour date is well‐known for its unique taste, its particular aroma, its golden‐yellow color and its nutritional value. In Tunisia, this variety is of higher market value and is the highest‐valued variety on international markets. Tunisia is currently the 10th world producer and the lead exporter of Deglet Nour dates. However, handlers often encounter quality problems (microbiological and physicochemical) which are enhanced by the long‐storage period. Anolyte combines washing, disinfecting and sterilizing agent features and it degrades spontaneously. The aim of this study was to ensure a better conservation of dates using anolyte solution, to reduce initial bacterial populations and proliferation during storage and thus increase the shelf life of a better quality product.

Ethyl formate (EF) was studied as a fumigant agent with the objective to replace methyl bromide (MB) for date fruit disinfestations. Date fruits Phoenix dactylifera 'Deglet Nour' with different initial moisture content (16% for dry dates, 20% for semidry dates, and a mixture of the two types) were separately fumigated with EF at different concentrations: 28.6, 57.3, 85.9, and 114.6 g/m3 for 2 h. Experimental data of EF sorption during fumigation was successfully fitted to Peleg's model. This model allows the prediction of the effects of date moisture content and EF concentration on sorption behavior. Samples with different moisture content showed similar EF sorption behavior. Dates were artificially infested with carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller)) at different life stages. Eggs, third- and fifth-instars, and pupae were exposed to 28.6, 57.3, 85.9, and 114.6 g/m3 EF for 2 h. Among these life stages, fifth-instars were the most resistant to EF fumigation. A 2-h fumigation with 114.6 g/m3 EF provided complete control of eggs, third-instars, and pupae of carob moth, and generated 91.6% mortality of fifth-instars. A longer fumigation time or higher EF concentration may provide complete control of all life stages of carob moth.

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