Polysaccharide-Based Edible Coatings Improve Eggplant Quality in Postharvest Storage

Abstract

Eggplant fruits are highly perishable as they have a short shelf life after harvesting. To prolong the shelf life of perishable goods, application of edible coatings has been utilized. Edible coatings have been used in various agricultural commodities to preserve their quality and prolong their postharvest life. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different polysaccharide-based edible coatings on the physico-chemical, biochemical, and physiological properties of eggplant fruits. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with nine (9) treatments and three (3) replications. Four (4) edible coatings were evaluated at two different concentrations. Sodium alginate (AL), pectin (PE), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and cornstarch (CS) were tested at 1 and 2% concentrations. On days 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12, samples were taken for the physicochemical, biochemical, and physiological analysis. The results of the study showed that the application of polysaccharide-based edible coatings significantly reduced weight loss and shriveling It also maintained firmness and VQR, prolonged shelf life, enhanced pH, TSS, TA, preserved vitamin C content, maintained moisture and dry matter content, and reduced respiration and microbial count of eggplant without significantly affecting ethylene production. The different coatings (alginate, pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, and cornstarch) significantly maintained the quality of eggplants for eight (8) days compared to the control. Among the different coatings tested, alginate showed the best result in maintaining the quality of eggplant fruit. It significantly reduced weight loss, shriveling, and microbial count, and preserved vitamin C content. Therefore, edible coatings, especially alginate, are effective in maintaining eggplant quality during postharvest storage.