THE EFFECT OF CHITOSAN COATING ON THE SHELF-LIFE OF GREEN PEPPERS AND CUCUMBERS.

The effect of chitosan coating on green peppers and cucumbers stored at 13°C and 85% R.H. on weight loss, quality and respiration was assessed. Chitosan coating markedly reduced the weight loss of both green peppers and cucumbers, with greater effect at higher concentration. In addition, color loss, wilting, decay and respiration was significantly lower in coated fruits than in the control.The results of this study indicate that the mechanism by which chitosan coating delay senescence in green peppers and cucumbers is more likely due to its ability to alleviate water stress than to modify the internal microatmosphere.