Characterization and efficacy of a composite coating containing chitosan and lemongrass essential oil on postharvest quality of guava

Abstract

This study characterized chemical and physical properties of chitosan (Chi) coatings with or without Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf. (CCEO) essential oil (0.6 μL/mL). The effects of Chi-CCEO coating on postharvest quality of guava during storage (15 days, 12 ± 1 °C) were assessed. CCEO improved thermal resistance and surface properties of Chi-coating. Chi-CCEO coating had low water solubility and aw, high thermal resistance, smooth and low-roughness surface. Chi-CCEO coating delayed weight and firmness losses, changes in soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, color and phenolics in guava during storage. Chi-CCEO coating decreased polyphenol-oxidase and pectin-methylesterase activity, while increased peroxidase activity after 5 days. Coated guava had lower fructose content and higher citric and succinic acid content than uncoated guava after 10 days. Coated guava had higher scores for texture, color and overall impression but lower scores for odor. Chi-CCEO coating were effective to maintain guava postharvest quality during a 10 day-cold storage. Industrial relevanceThe addition of CCEO in an active concentration to inhibit fungal spoilage in guavas into Chi-coating positively affected its physico-chemical properties, resulting in a flat, smooth and low roughness composite coating. Chi-CCEO coating delayed undesirable postharvest changes caused by physiological processes in guava, maintaining the fruit quality during cold storage. Chi-CCEO coating should be a feasible technology for guava preservation and decrease synthetic fungicide use in this fruit.