This study evaluated the quality of 'Tommy Atkins' mango fruit harvested at maturity stage 2 after coating application with different dextrin concentrations associated or not to a lipid substance. Two experiments were carried out: in the first one, the treatments consisted of coating application (control; dextrin 1.5%; dextrin 1.5% + sunflower oil 0.4%; dextrin 3.0%, and dextrin 3.0% + sunflower oil 0.4%) and storage for 0, 10 and 20 days under refrigeration (11.7±3.1ºC and 79±8% RH), followed by 3, 6 and 8 days at room temperature (21.3±2.6ºC and 48±8% RH). In the second experiment, control and coatings with aqueous solutions of dextrin 2, 3 and 4%, containing sunflower oil 0.4%, were studied. After the application, the fruits were stored under refrigeration (11.7±3.1ºC and 87±6% RH) for evaluation for 0, 10 and 20 days, when they were transferred to room temperature (23.1±2.1ºC and 56±7% RH) for 3, 6, 8 and 10 days. A completely random design was used in a factorial scheme, with four replicates. The use of coatings reduced fruit weight loss but only dextrin 2% with sunflower oil delayed the maturation, showing limitation on firmness loss and organic acids breakdown, delay on the increase of pectic substances content and preservation of fruit appearance, with a uniform visible film.
postharvest conservation; edible coating; quality; storage life
