Antibiotic Activity of Composite Film Derived Chitosan and Cellulose against Diaporthe melonis Causing Concave Rot of Melon Fruits

Abstract

Antibiotic activity of a composite film derived from chitosan and cellulose against a fungus was studied. Release of chitosan from the composite film with juice of melon fruits, Cucumis melo L., was evaluated. Chitosan was exuded into the juice in a time-dependent manner. Depression of multiplication of Diaporthe melonis Beraha et O'brien, the pathogenic fungus of concave rot of netted melon fruits, in melon juice including chitosan was examined. Levels of the depression were dependent on the concentration of chitosan. Effectiveness of the composite film for prolonging the shelflife of melon juice was confirmed.