Effect of arabinoxylan and β-glucan stearic acid ester coatings on post-harvest quality of apple (Royal Delicious)

The effect of wheat straw arabinoxylan (AX) and beta-glucan stearic acid ester (SABG) composite coating on the quality and storage life of apple (Royal Delicious) was studied at 22 degrees C (+/- 2) with relative humidity of 65% and 85% for 60 days. Fresh fruits were coated with surface coatings of AX-SABG, shellac in the concentration range of 1-4%. Application of both AX-SABG (1-4%) and shellac (1-4%) coatings was found to significantly reduce weight loss, respiration rate, fruit softening process, ripening index, color degradation and polyphenol oxidase activity compared to control during the storage period of more than 30 days. However, an AX-SABG coating was more effective in reducing fruit decay and loss of aroma volatiles followed by shellac coated apples; the un-coated apples being showing maximum quality deterioration. These findings confirmed the potential benefits of applying AX-SABG coating to extend the shelf life and quality of apples especially during transportation and storage.