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@article{209146,
        author = {Khan Farheen Kauser and Baig Mumtaz},
        title = {Biochemical Degradation of Coriandrum sativum under Fungal Stress and Its Mitigation through Eco-Friendly management},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {5},
        pages = {881-886},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=209146},
        abstract = {The present study was undertaken to investigate the fungal association, biodeterioration and eco-friendly management of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds. Seed samples were examined for seed-borne mycoflora using blotter, agar plate and seed washing methods. A diverse fungal population was detected, with Aspergillus niger showing the highest incidence, followed by Aspergillus flavus and Curvularia lunata. Among the three isolation methods, the agar plate method recorded comparatively higher fungal incidence than the blotter and seed washing methods, indicating its greater effectiveness in detecting seed-associated fungi.
The effect of fungal infestation on the physical and chemical characteristics of coriander seeds was subsequently assessed. Infestation with A. niger and C. lunata resulted in visible deterioration in oil colour and odour, together with a reduction in oil content and changes in specific gravity. Biochemical analysis further showed reductions in dry weight, pH, protein content, iodine number and saponification number, whereas moisture content increased following fungal infestation. These changes indicated deterioration of seed quality and alteration of important nutritional and oil-related characteristics. For eco-friendly management, leaf extracts of Annona squamosa and Calotropis procera were evaluated against A. niger and C. lunata using the poisoned food technique at different concentrations. Both plant extracts exhibited concentration-dependent antifungal activity, with greater inhibition at higher concentrations. At 20% concentration, C. procera extract produced the highest inhibition, reaching 88.89% against A. niger and 84.44% against C. lunata, whereas A. squamosa produced 75.56% and 70.00% inhibition, respectively. The findings demonstrate the occurrence of potentially important seed-associated fungi in coriander and their adverse effects on seed quality. The inhibitory activity of the tested botanical extracts indicates their potential as simple, economical and eco-friendly alternatives for the management of fungal deterioration in stored coriander seeds.},
        keywords = {antifungal activity, biochemical degradation, Curvularia lunata, Eco friendly},
        month = {October},
        }