Influence of Irradiated Chitosan Coating on Postharvest Quality of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata Blanco.)

Abstract

The effect of coating with irradiated chitosan (CHIirr, Mv   = 5.14 × 10⁴) and unirradiated chitosan (CHIun, Mv = 2.61 ×   10⁵) on postharvest preservation of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata   B) has been studied. 1 and 2 % coatings of both CHIirr and   CHIun were used and the fruits were stored at 4 °C in 80 %   relative humidity for 12 weeks. Changes in weight loss, ascorbic   acid, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, reducing, nonreducing   and total sugars were periodically measured during   storage. Physical characteristics such as general appearance   in colour and shape of the fruits and organoleptic evaluation   were also carried out. All chitosan coating reduced the weight   loss and respiration rate during storage. It also delayed and   minimized the changes in: ascorbic acid contents, titratable   acidity, etc. and maintained eating quality of fruits till 3 months   as compared to untreated fruits.