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The aim of this study was to investigate chemical and microbial characteristics of date from two varieties cultivated in Igli, and Tamtert, region to assess the effect of date moth on their nutritional and microbiological quality. The results show that date flesh of examined cultivars have a high content of sugars (85-64%) and low concentrations of protein (1,05-0,62%), ash(1,83-1,99%) and fats (0,22-0,54%) on dry matter basis, The protein content of infested dates was greater than that of unscathed. For mineral content, Potassium is the most abundant element (455,0mg/100g), followed by sodium (260,2mg/100g), and iron (204 mg/100g), while zinc is present in very small amounts (0,97 mg/100g). The results reveal that the bacteriological quality of both studied varieties, are conforms to international standards; additionally, there is no significant difference in bacterial quality between unscathed and infested dates. Furthermore, dates exposed to date moth infestation, which results in fungal contamination. The development of this fungal flora under suitable conditions (temperature, humidity, pH, etc.) can have negative effects by altering the organoleptic properties and decreasing the nutritive quality.

The increase of drug-resistant pathogens occurring due to indiscriminate use of antibiotics and their rejection in nature are becoming a serious problem. This situation has motivated researchers across the globe to search for suita-ble alternatives in natural compounds. Moringa oleifera has been the object of several researches due to its multiple uses, as its seeds are known to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties. In the present study, pathogenic bacteria were isolated from wastewaters of Oued Bechar; the in vitro anti-bacterial activity of aqueous seeds extract against 30 strains, and the phyto-chemical screening of this plant were investigated. The results of isolated strains revealed the existence of various pathogenic bacteria dominated by: Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Klebsiella spp, Enterobacter spp; Streptococ-cus D, Pseudomonas spp , Vibrio spp. the inhibition diameters of aqueous seeds extract with and without oil removal ranged from 7mm to 21mm, and 8mm to 27mm respectively, with a significant antibacterial effect was ob-served against 3 of 4 Streptococci D around 1g /ml disc. Additionally, the phyto-chemical screening results showed that seeds of M. oleifera are rich in phyto-molecules such as terpenoids and tannins which are characterized by antifungal and antibacterial activity. The results of this study suggest that M. oleifera seeds from South-Western Algeria can be a source of natural anti-bacterial agent.

Phoenix dactylifera L. Date, a high energy fruit with a sweet taste, is one of the most important staple foods consumed in southern region of Algeria. The aim of this study was to determine the physico-chemical and microbial attributes of two common date varieties (Feggous and Hmira) in Abadla Oasis–Bechar (South-west of Algeria) for their valorization. The analysis showed that dates fruits contained a high level of total sugar which exceeded 80%, but a low content of fat (0.72%) and protein (0.91%). The mean value of humidity, pH and ash of the samples were obtained as 22.13%, 6.17, and 1.72% respectively all dates contained high amounts of K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg and P. The maximum levels of the majority of minerals were found in Feggous variety. Moreover, Vitamin E and Vitamin C of under-valued dates ranged between 0.37 and 2.74 mg/100g on dry weight basis. The microbiological analyses of dates showed the existence of total aerobic flora, a fungal flora dominated by Penicillium and Aspergillus, yeasts as well as the absence of pathogen strains. The morphological, biochemical and microbial properties of studied date fruits were in accordance with national and international regulations. These results may be useful for valorization of local date varieties, and for evaluation of dietary information and concludes that dates are the good sources of minerals and vitamins in Saharan regions.