EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ON POST-HARVEST SHELF LIFE OF PERSIMMON (Diospyros kaki L.)

Persimmon is a climacteric fruit and very perishable. Changes in several physiological attributes greatly affect its quality and market value. The current study was designed to assess the effect of chitosan solution (an edible coating material that can improve postharvest performance) on physico-chemical attributes of persimmon fruit during storage. Persimmon fruits were harvested, cleaned and then dipped in various chitosan concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) for 5, 10 and 15 min. The treated fruits were stored at 25-29 degrees C, 55-70% RH for 28 days. Results indicated that fruits coated with 3% chitosan solution had maximum volume, firmness, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity and minimum juice, TSS, pH, TSS/acid ratio, decay incidence and weight loss. Similarly, the performance was better in fruits dipped for 15 min. It was concluded that persimmon fruits dipped in 3% chitosan solution for 15 min could improve its postharvest performance when stored under ambient condition.