EFFICACY OF PLANT-BASED EDIBLE COATINGS VERSUS SYNTHETIC FUNGICIDES ON TOMATO SHELF-LIFE AND QUALITY

Ahmar  Tashfeen; Rabia Saleem; Alina Mansoor

Authors

Ahmar Tashfeen UAF, Pakistan. Author
Rabia Saleem University of Sargodha, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1282-8013
Alina Mansoor University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1607-0162

Keywords:

Aloe vera, Chitosan, Edible Coatings, Fruit Preservation, Postharvest Losses, Shelf-Life, Tomatoes.

Abstract

Background: Tomatoes undergo rapid physiological and microbial deterioration after harvest, contributing significantly to postharvest losses. Plant-based edible coatings have gained interest as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides due to their potential to prolong shelf-life and enhance quality without chemical residues.

Objective: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of aloe vera and chitosan edible coatings with a synthetic fungicide in maintaining tomato shelf-life and postharvest quality during ambient storage.

Methods: A total of 120 tomatoes were assigned equally to aloe vera, chitosan, synthetic fungicide, and untreated control groups. Samples were monitored for 21 days. Measurements included weight loss, firmness, microbial load, color changes, total soluble solids, and sensory quality. Shelf-life was determined based on predefined quality decline thresholds. Data were analyzed descriptively to compare treatment effects.

Results: Aloe vera and chitosan coatings reduced physiological deterioration more effectively than the synthetic fungicide. By Day 21, aloe-treated tomatoes exhibited the lowest weight loss (6.8%) and microbial load (1.2 × 10² CFU/g), along with the highest firmness retention and slowest ripening progression. Shelf-life reached 20.3 days with aloe vera and 17.6 days with chitosan, compared with 14.2 days for the synthetic fungicide and 10.1 days for controls. Sensory quality scores followed a similar pattern, indicating better overall acceptability for coated tomatoes.

Conclusion: Aloe vera and chitosan coatings offered superior preservation of postharvest tomato quality compared with a synthetic fungicide. Their combined antimicrobial and barrier properties highlight their suitability as natural, residue-free alternatives for sustainable postharvest management.

Author Biographies

Ahmar Tashfeen, UAF, Pakistan.

MPhil pathology student, UAF, Pakistan.
Rabia Saleem, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.

M.Phil- Zoology, University of Sargodha, Pakistan.
Alina Mansoor, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan.

BSc (Hons.) Biotechnologist from University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan.

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