Alginate coatings containing grapefruit essential oil or grapefruit seed extract for grapes preservation

Summary Biodegradable coatings based on 1% and 2% sodium alginate (NaAlg) with and without grapefruit seed extract (GSE) or grapefruit essential oil (GEO) were applied to table grapes to preserve their quality. Changes in weight loss, firmness and antioxidant activity were assessed over 15 days of cold storage. The effectiveness of developed coatings to control postharvest decay of inoculated grape berries stored for 5 days at 20 °C was also investigated. Biodegradable coatings based on pure NaAlg and those containing GSE were efficient in reducing weight loss and maintaining firmness during storage. Coatings incorporating either GEO or GSE were able to preserve the antioxidant activity of treated grapes and to reduce decay incidence in inoculated fruits. Coatings formulated with 2% NaAlg-1% GSE showed the greatest preservation of antioxidant activity and the highest antifungal effect, with an effective control of water and firmness losses. These coatings can be recommended for maintaining table grapes quality.