Effects of calcium dips, chitosan coating and their combinations on post harvest quality of sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.)

Abstract

The effect different concentrations of calcium dip, chitosan coating and their combination were tested in sapodillas fruits stored at two different temperatures. Both calcium dips and cliitosan coating have ability in minimizing the disease incidence and disease severity in sapodillas at 28 ° C and 15 ° C. Meanwhile, at 15 ° C, sapodillas treated with chitosan 1.5% gave greater firmness compared with other treatments. In contrast, a combination of calcium and chitosan coating did not have ability in maintaining firmness and reducing disease infection at both storage temperatures. The results of this study suggests that chitosan 1.5% has potential to maintain firmness and reduce post-harvest disease of sapodillas when stored at 28 ° C and 15 ° C.