Use of chitosan and modified polypropyene film to prolong postharvest storage of lime Citrus aurantifolia Swingle

Abstract

Chitosan is a non-poisonous biopolymer which is safe for the environment. Chitosan is known to have the potential to prolong the storage life and control the decay of fruit and vegetable. In this study, we aimed to investigate an appropriate concentration of chitosan to prolong postharvest storage of lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle). Limes dipped in 10 ppm chitosan (80%DD) could reduce fungal decay at 25°C and 5 ppm chitosan treatment resulted in a delay in weight loss and change in peel color at 10°C. Limes inoculated with Penicillium sp. and treated with 10 ppm chitosan at 25°C and 10°C and packed in modified polypropylene films; organic clay polypropylene (Org/PP) and polypropylene porous clay heterostructure (PPPCH) were compared with commercial polypropylene (PP) bag stored at 25°C and 10°C for 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. Peel color change of limes did not show any significantly difference among treatments during storage at 25°C and 10°C. The control PP resulted in lower percentage of weight loss than modified polypropylene films in all treatments in both temperatures. While lime disease incidence increased in PP more than modified polypropylene films at 25°C. No significant difference in modified PP or normal PP treatments in term of respiration rate, and total soluble solids were observed. Catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities, total phenolic content and ascorbic acid content of citrus fruits were different in some treatments during storage.