Postharvest Treatments with Edible Coatings Extend Shelf Life of Mango (Mangifera indica)

Abstract

Postharvest losses in mango are significant in tropical regions due to poor storage infrastructure. This study evaluated edible coatings made from chitosan and aloe vera gel to extend fruit shelf life. Treated mangoes showed delayed ripening, reduced weight loss, and lower microbial load during 21-day storage at ambient conditions.
Quality parameters such as firmness, total soluble solids, and vitamin C content were preserved better in coated fruits compared to controls. Chitosan-coated fruits exhibited antifungal properties against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The findings support edible coatings as an eco-friendly technology for postharvest management.