Abstract:
fomat*es are highlv perishable liuits susceptibie t* |lostharvest cleteriorarir:r"r"
cctnpromising their r-1uali4, and marketabinitl'. This research investigates the elficac,v
of nat:-rral biopol3'rner coatings in preserving tomato qualit_v afiribr-ites and controlling
disease derrelopmeiit dLring storage and marketing. Tna different biopol.vmers such as
maltoctrertrin and pectin have been erplored ti:r their abilit3.' to extencl shelf liib and
enhance pcstharvest qualit-v. Tiris stud-v evaluates the impact of these biopolvmers on
ke3' qLrali4.' parameters including r.leight lass. filmness. color change" pH. titratable
aciditl {TAl"and totai solLrble solids cont€tll {TSS;" Asccrbic acitl content. Ll.ccpene
cilnt€nt. di.sease severitl,'{D5}. riisease incidence iDl;ancl marketabilin" Funheimcre"
llte r*se*rch assesses the ccatings' el&clir,eness in inlibiting cofflnon postharvest
pathr,.u*ns. Tlrrough a series ol sl*rage simuiati*ns and marketing c*nelitirrn
:iimuiatir-.ns" incii-lr-iins lernperature and hLlmii.iitl ijuctrLaticns anci ha*diing stress" tile
.;iLld3 ain:s to pr*r,'iile c*mprehensive inslghts into the practicaiappiicabili:1 cf natural
i-ricpcli,n-:*r coat;ngs in ilie t*nrato srippiv cirlLjn.
-f
ne I r:clincs .;l't.his iesearcl'l ctintrib*te
i* ttrle clevel*pment cisr-rstainai,.1e anci eco-iiie nCl1 str*:cuie s t*r enl:ancing tomato she 1l
1i:*. *rsuring the clualit;." and leciucir"rg pcstirariest ic,ss.s in the agricr,i.ltural lndustn.
Results indicate that natural biopolymer coatings signilicantl,v influence the postharv'est
qualit,v and disease resistance of tomatoes. Pectin coatings incorporated w-ith ginger
extract. in particular. demonstrated remarkabie efhcacy in maintaining firmness. color
change, and vitamin C content compared to other treatments including maltodextrin.
\loreover, these coatings exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. The findings
suggest that biopolymer coatings offer a promising eco-friendly solution for extending
the shelf-iife of tomatoes w'hile ensuring their qualiqv and safety during storage and
marketing. Further optimization of coating lormulations and application methods could
enhance their commercial potential in the liesh produce industry.
