Chitosan Coating for Improving Quality and Extending the Postharvest Shelf Life of Lychees

Abstract

Postharvest losses are a challenge for the lychee industry. Strategies are needed to extend storage times while maintaining quality. A chitosan-based coating has been shown to reduce gas exchange and water loss, thereby extending shelf life. This study investigated whether applying different concentrations of chitosan could improve the quality and shelf life of “Bengal” lychees. The experiment was conducted using a randomized split-plot design. The treatments were: 0% chitosan (control); 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0%. The fruits were stored in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) incubators at 2 ± 3 °C and 85 ± 5% relative humidity. Assessments were carried out at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 days of cold storage. The following indicators were assessed: weight loss; pH; soluble solids; titratable acidity; ripeness index; ascorbic acid; fruit firmness; color; browning index; and fruit decay. A concentration of 0.50% maintained the color of the fruit, preventing browning and decay, and preserving quality and extending the shelf life by up to 9 days during cold storage. The control treatment increased browning and fruit decay from the third day of storage onward.