Characterization of edible polysaccharide-beeswax coatings and their effects on marian plum (Bouea burmanica Griff) postharvest quality

Chopsri, Anussara; Kengkhetkit, Nanthaya

doi:10.22077/jhpr.2025.10055.1579

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Sciences and Agricultural Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok, Thailand

² Department of Science, Faculty of Sciences and Agricultural Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Phitsanulok, Phitsanulok, Thailand

10.22077/jhpr.2025.10055.1579

Abstract

Purpose: Marian plum deteriorates rapidly after harvest, causing significant postharvest losses. This study aimed to develop polysaccharide-based edible coatings combined with beeswax and evaluate their effects on marian plum (Bouea burmanica Griff) quality during cold storage. Research Method: The experiment used a completely randomized design. Three edible polysaccharide coatings (chitosan, starch, carboxymethyl cellulose) with varying beeswax concentrations (0-2%) were developed and characterized. Coated fruits were stored at 10°C for 16 days with quality assessments conducted every 4 days. Findings: Beeswax incorporation systematically increased film hydrophobicity across all polysaccharide types, with chitosan at 2% beeswax concentration achieving the highest contact angles (109.38°), though still below the natural fruit surface (115.70°). SEM analysis revealed that beeswax addition transformed smooth film surfaces into rougher morphologies while reducing moisture content. Most coated treatments showed higher weight loss (6.38-10.65%) than uncoated control (5.39%), while chitosan without beeswax has no significant different in weight loss compared to the uncoated control. Carboxymethyl cellulose with 1% beeswax showed significantly higher firmness than uncoated fruit at day 12. Total soluble solids slightly increased (14.5-16.5 °Brix) across treatments, while titratable acidity showed treatment-specific variations throughout the 16-day storage period. Research limitations: The study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions over 16 days, requiring validation under commercial storage conditions. Originality/Value: This represents the first systematic evaluation of edible coatings for marian plum, providing practical guidance on effective postharvest treatments. The findings identify chitosan without beeswax maintains fruit quality without increasing weight loss, while demonstrating that complex formulations may reduce storage performance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Postharvest Biology and Technology

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Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research

Characterization of edible polysaccharide-beeswax coatings and their effects on marian plum (Bouea burmanica Griff) postharvest quality

References

References

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 26 December 2025

Characterization of edible polysaccharide-beeswax coatings and their effects on marian plum (Bouea burmanica Griff) postharvest quality

References

References

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof Available Online from 26 December 2025

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 26 December 2025