Effect of Various Storage Conditions on the Seed Quality of Ajwain (Trachyspermum Ammi (L.) Sprague)

Abstract

Background: Ajwain is renowned for its antioxidant properties, preservative capabilities, and medicinal value. However, during storage, ajwain seeds are prone to deterioration caused by various microorganisms, resulting in quality degradation such as discoloration and changes in biochemical constituents. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of different storage conditions on the quality of ajwain seeds. Methods: Four types of containers—Plastic jars (PJ) made by Pearl Pet, tin containers (TC), gunny bags (GB), and plastic-lined gunny bags (PLBG)—were used to assess the effect of storage over a one-year duration. External environmental conditions, including temperature and relative humidity, were recorded quarterly. The study evaluated the effect of storage conditions on seed quality according to Agmark grade specifications, the incidence of mycoflora, and changes in biochemical constituents such as moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrates, total soluble sugars, iron, total phenols, and volatile oil contents. Initial readings served as controls for the experiment.

Results: Regardless of storage conditions, a notable increase in deterioration was observed in stored ajwain samples after three months, characterized by the presence of shriveled, damaged, discolored, and weeviled seeds, leading to a downgrade from good to substandard grade. Maximum deterioration occurred after 12 months of storage. The incidence of mycoflora was highest in samples stored in tin containers and gunny bags, followed by plastic-lined gunny bags and plastic jars. After 12 months of storage, a decline in moisture, crude fiber, carbohydrates, total soluble sugars, iron, and volatile oil contents, along with an increase in crude fat and ash contents, was observed across all storage containers. Plastic jars were found to be the most effective storage containers among those studied.