EFFECT OF CHITOSAN AS AN ANTIFUNGAL AND PRESERVATIVE AGENT ON POSTHARVEST BLUEBERRY

Preventing deterioration and extending shelf life by using natural agents remain challenges in the distribution of premium-quality blueberry. Herein, Botryotinia fuckeliana (B. fuckeliana) was isolated from the rotting postharvest blueberry and identified, and the causal pathogen was re-isolated from the decay blueberry to confirm Koch's postulates. Experimental results indicated that spore germination and mycelial growth of B. fuckeliana, were significantly inhibited by chitosan in a concentration-dependent mode. Application of chitosan coating to blueberry exhibited positive effect on the changes of weight loss, firmness, total phenolics and anthocyanins, as storage time increased. Hence, chitosan may be potentially applied in food industry for controlling the decay and extending the shelf life of postharvest blueberry. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Blueberry has received considerable attention due to its content of health promoting micronutrients and several bioactive phytochemicals. However, it is often shortened by weight or moisture loss, and fungi infection under high humidity condition resulting in sensorial and nutritional changes. This study aims to provide experimental evidence for application of chitosan in the maintenance of quality (inhibits the microbial spoilage, retards weight loss, maintains the total phenolic and anthocyanin contents) of postharvest blueberry.