Effect of Chitosan on Storage Behaviour of Sapota Manilkara achras (Mill) fosberg cv. ‘Kalipatti’

The present study was undertaken to study the effect of chitosan treatments on the storage behaviour of sapota Manilkara achras (Mill) fosberg cv. Kalipatti is stored at ambient temperature. The climacteric rise in sapota fruits shortens the postharvest life and degrades the quality of the fruits. A polysaccharide like a chitosan has been used as an edible coating to extend the storage life of sapota fruits, which is an innovative approach for fruit preservation and sustainable development. Chitosan-based coatings have tremendous potential in several fruits to extend the shelf-life. An investigation was carried out to know the effectiveness of post-harvest treatments with edible coatings (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% chitosan) compared with the control. 1% chitosan coating resulted in maximum fruits (more than 75%) having a shelf life of 7 days under ambient condition which was at par with 1.5% chitosan coating. Chitosan coating reduced the physiological losses in weight as compared to the uncoated fruits. The maximum retention of physical parameters such as fruit firmness, specific gravity, colour L*, a* and b* values as well as slow ripening and less spoilage behaviour was observed in chitosan-coated sapota fruits.