Abstract: By orthogonal test, the concentration of bacteriostatic agent (traditional Chinese medicine preservative) against decay of Lingwu Chang date caused by pathogenic fungi was optimized. Four preservers were made from bacteriostatic agent, CaCl2 and GA3. Lingwu Chang dates were treated with different preservatives and stored for 30 d at room temperature (18 to 22 ℃), and then the rate of decay, rate of softening, loss rate of water and the index of quality were analyzed respectively. The results showed that the optimal concentrations of preservatives are 40 g/L ethanol extract of Forsytia suspense (Thumb.) Vahl, 20 g/L water extract of Alpinia officinarum Hanc, 12 g/L ethanol extract of Eugenia caryophyllata (Thumb), 10 g/L CaCl2 and 75 mg/kg GA3 respectively. After 30 d storage, the rate of decay is only 12.64 %, the rate of softening is 1.83%, and the loss of water is 1.82%. Meanwhile, the quality of fruit is well maintained. The content of VC is 259.36 mg/100 g, the content of soluble solids is 25.4%, the titratable acidity is 0.4%, and the firmness is 12.37 kg/cm2. The fruit still has high firmness and fine flavor after storage.

Key words: traditional Chinese medicine preservative, Lingwu Chang date, preservation at room temperature