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VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Postharvest surface coatings enhance storability and quality of Elaeagnus latifolia fruits under ambient conditions
Authors
S R Assumi, Vanlalruati, H Rymbai, H D Talang, M Bilashini Devi, K Puro, A W Yanthan, H Kalita
Abstract
Elaeagnus latifolia,
an indigenous fruit native to the foothills of Meghalaya, Northeast India,
possesses high nutraceutical value and considerable potential for
commercialization. However, it’s extremely short shelf life and highly
perishable nature has restricted utilization largely to local, fresh
consumption. Despite its promise, there has been limited postharvest research
focused on extending its storability and maintaining fruit quality during
storage. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of
polysaccharide based edible coatings on the storability and quality attributes
of E. latifolia fruits under ambient storage conditions (20±4°C; 80-90%
RH). Uniformly mature fruits were treated with four types of coatings viz. carboxymethyl
cellulose (1%), sodium alginate (2%), chitosan (1%), guar gum (1%) and
monitored at two-day intervals over six days for changes in physiological loss
in weight (PLW), firmness and sensory acceptability. Comparative analysis
revealed that guar gum (1%) and chitosan (1%) coatings were the most effective
treatments in maintaining postharvest quality. Both significantly reduced PLW
(6.77 and 7.39%, respectively) and minimized fruit softening (0.84 and 0.74N),
thereby extending shelf life to six days compared to only four days in uncoated
control fruits. These treatments also recorded the highest overall sensory
acceptability scores (8.9 in guar gum and 8.6 in chitosan), indicating superior
preservation of appearance, texture and flavour. The findings demonstrate that
simple, polysaccharide based edible coatings particularly guar gum and chitosan
can effectively prolong the shelf life and maintain the quality of E.
latifolia fruits under ambient conditions. This approach offers a low cost,
eco-friendly postharvest intervention that can help reduce postharvest losses,
support local market expansion and enable the commercial adoption of E.
latifolia as a value-added fruit crop in the Northeastern region of India.
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Pages:299-303
How to cite this article:
S R Assumi, Vanlalruati, H Rymbai, H D Talang, M Bilashini Devi, K Puro, A W Yanthan, H Kalita "Postharvest surface coatings enhance storability and quality of <i>Elaeagnus latifolia</i> fruits under ambient conditions". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 299-303
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