Edible coatings in 'Kumagai' guavas

Author(s)

Thales Sandoval Cerqueira

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2007-09-04

Examining board members

Angelo Pedro Jacomino; Ana Claudia Carraro Alleoni; Jose Fernando Durigan

• Advisor: Angelo Pedro Jacomino

Abstract

Edible coatings have especial attention currently, mainly in function of fruit conservation potential. This work was carried out to determine the effect of edible coatings of polissacarides, carnauba wax and proteins in the quality, physiology and biochemist of guavas 'Kumagai'. Edible coatings effects were evaluated on postharvest behavior of guavas storaged in room temperature (22°C±2) for eight days. Two stages were done, the first to compare the different answers of guava submitted to many types of edible coatings and the second determine the physiologic behavior of guavas submitted to treatments selected in the first stage. All studies were done in postharvest laboratory in Produção Vegetal departament – ESALQ-USP in Piracicaba - SP. The effects of chitosan 2, 4, 6% with or without glycerol (1:1), whey protein concentrate 6, 8% and gluten 10, 12%, added of glycerol both (1:1) were studied. Chitosan plus carnauba wax 2, 3%, carnauba wax, chitosan 2, 3 e 4% e starch film of cassava 2, 3% were analyzed too. The two last coatings were submitted to heat preparation to complete melt. All coatings were submitted to heat preparation to complete melt and cooled to room temperature. The fruits were covered by 10 seconds in immersion, after this the coatings dry in room temperature by fun wind. The experiment was completely randomized design. The edible coatings affect more the gaseous exchanges than weight loss. With glycerol addition increase coating permeability. The coatings provide shine and had good adherence in fruits, the appearance became better than control fruits, but not to chitosan plus carnauba wax 2, 3%, this coating unglue of the peel fruit. The protein coatings provide good appearance, but didn't extend the postharvest. The chitosan didn't protect against patogen, and the elicit properties weren't observed in 'Kumagai' guavas. Thus edible coatings could increase postharvest of guavas, but should study formulations that minimize weight loss without restricting gaseous exchanges excessively. (AU)