Effects of Chitosan Coating on the Storage of Peach, Japanese Pear, and Kiwifruit

Abstract

The effects of chitosan coating on respiration, ethylene production, and storage of peach (Prunus persica Batsch. var. vulgaris Maxim cv. Hakuho), Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Shinko and Housui), and kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa L. cv. Hayward) during storage were investigated. Acetic acid was found to be a suitable solvent of chitosan for coating fresh fruits. Chitosan coating significantly reduced the respiration rate of peach and 'Shinko' pear in storage and of kiwifruit after storage. Coating reduced the ethylene production of the peach markedly, increased the internal CO₂, and decreased the internal O₂ levels of 'Shinko' pear. Chitosan significantly inhibited the growth of Botrytis cinerea and fungi isolated from decaying 'Housui' pear. This resulted in a decrease of post-harvested spoilage of peach, 'Housui' pear, and kiwifruit. Chitosan-coated peach and 'Shinko' pear were markedly firmer and less mature at the end of storage, indicating that the treatment could be an alternative means of preserving fresh fruits.