Investigating the Role of Oregano and Cumin Essential Oils in Curbing Aspergillus flavus Growth in Almonds

Subject Areas : Almond

Abdullayeva Maksudakhan ¹ , Majeed M. Abid ² , Nader A. Salman ³ , Mohaned Mohammed Hani ⁴ , Shakir Mahmood Saeed ⁵ , Muntadher Kadhum Sultan ⁶ , Abed J. Kadhim ⁷ , Nahed Mahmood Ahmed ⁸ , E.T. Berdiyev ⁹ , Gulnara Makhsudova ¹⁰ , Dadakhon Abdullaev ¹¹ , Khalmatova Shakhstakan Madaminovna ¹² , A.M. Khurramov ¹³

1 - Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Biotechnology and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Fergana State University., Ferghana city, Uzbekistan
2 - Department of pharmacy, Al-Hadi University College, Baghdad,10011, Iraq.
3 - Department of pharmacy, Al-Manara College For Medical Sciences, (Maysan),Iraq
4 - Department of Medical Instrumentation Engineering Techniques, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al‐Muthanna, 66002, Iraq
5 - Department of Pharmacy, Al-Noor University College, Nineveh, Iraq
6 - Mazaya university college, Iraq
7 - Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Al-Nisour University College,Iraq
8 - College of pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
9 - Tashkent State Agrarian University, Tashkent Region Kibray District, University Street 2, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
10 - Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Fergana State University, Ferghana city, Uzbekistan
11 - Teacher of the Department of Fruits and Vegetables at the Urganch State University, Khorazm Region, Uzbekistan
12 - Associate Professor, Candidate of agriculture Sciences, Faculty of natural Science, Fergana State University, Ferghana city, Uzbekistan
13 - International School of Finance and Technology, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Received: 2023-10-13 Accepted : 2024-06-10 Published : 2024-07-14

Keywords: Aspergillus flavus, Cumin, Essential oils, Oregano,

Abstract :

This study explores the antifungal efficacy of oregano and cumin essential oils against Aspergillus flavus in almonds. Our findings revealed that oregano oil at a concentration of 150 µg l-1 was significantly more effective in inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth than cumin oil at 300 µg l-1. After a 10-day incubation period, almonds treated with oregano oil exhibited an average fungal infection rate of just 5%, compared to 58% for cumin oil-treated almonds, and a high 95% in untreated control samples. This indicates a remarkable 94% reduction in Aspergillus flavus growth for oregano oil-treated almonds in comparison to the control group. In contrast, cumin oil showed a 39% decrease in fungal contamination relative to the control, demonstrating its lesser but notable antifungal potential. The study also found that almonds with dry peel had lower mold contamination rates than those with green peel when treated with these essential oils, highlighting the protective role of the hardened endocarp. Thirteen panellists rated almond qualities using a 9-point scale. Cumin oil treated almonds had higher aroma and flavor ratings than oregano oil and control almonds. Cumin offered a spicy aroma and harmonious flavor, while oregano had a medicinal aroma and bitter taste. Cumin effectively inhibited fungal growth and maintained almond quality. Sensory analysis showed a consumer preference for the aroma and taste of cumin oil-treated almonds, despite the lower antifungal efficacy. Overall, this research underscores the potential of oregano and cumin essential oils as sustainable alternatives to synthetic preservatives in controlling Aspergillus flavus infection in almonds post-harvest.

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