Development of gelatin-carboxymethylcellulose coatings incorporated with avocado epicarp and coconut endocarp extracts to control fungal growth in strawberries for shelf-life extension

The objective of this study was to incorporate avocado peel (AEE) and coconut (CEE) extracts as antifungal additive in the development of gelatin and carboxymethylcellulose coatings to extend shelf life in strawberries. Fractions of 200 mg/L of extracts were incorporated in the coating and characterized during storage at 2°C. AEE and CEE in the coating delayed significantly (P <.05) weight loss (40%), softening, color, and compositional changes (°Brix, sugars, titratable acidity). Rhizopus stolonifer and Aspergillusniger strains were isolated and inoculated to evaluate the effectiveness of the coatings on strawberries. The use of the coating + plant extracts decreased the proliferation of fungi by 45% compared to the uncoated fruit and extended the shelf life for 15 days. With these findings, it is suggested that biopolymeric coatings + plant extracts can be used as a potential method of ecological preservation in strawberries against microbial deterioration. (Figure presented.).