Effects of chitosan coating on postharvest quality and shelf life of sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) during storage

Sponge gourd is perishable and has a relative short shelf life. In this research, young immature sponge gourds were treated with aqueous solutions of 0% (Control), 0.5% and 1.0% of chitosan, all samples were enclosed in plastic boxes with polyethylene film bags and then stored in darkness at 25 +/- 1 C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH). The results showed that of 0.5% and 1.0% chitosan were effective in reducing respiration rate and weight loss, preserving firmness and visual appearance, retaining the content of ascorbic acid and total phenolics, and delaying the increase of polyphenol oxidase (PRO) activity. Moreover, 1.0% chitosan Markedly suppressed peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities and exhibited a low level of cellulose contents compared with 0.5% chitosan and control. The results indicated that the use of chitosan effectively retained postharvest quality and extended shelf life of sponge gourd. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.