CHITOSAN COATING EFFECT ON STORABILITY AND QUALITY OF FRESH STRAWBERRIES

The effect of chitosan coating (1.0 and 1.5% w/v) in controlling decay of strawberries at 13-degrees-C was investigated as compared to a fungicide, iprodione (Rovral(R)). Chitosan coating significantly reduced decay of berries (P less-than-or-equal-to 0.05) compared to the control. There was no significant difference between chitosan and fungicide treatments up to 21 days storage. Thereafter, Rovral(R)-treated berries decayed at a higher rate than chitosan-coated berries. Chitosan-coated berries stored at 4-degrees-C were firmer, higher in titratable acidity, and synthesized anthocyanin at a slower rate than Rovral(R)-treated or nontreated berries. Chitosan coating decreased respiration rate of the berries with a greater effect at higher concentration.