Effect of lotus leaf extract incorporated composite coating on the postharvest quality of fresh goji (Lycium barbarum L.) fruit

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of composite coating with lotus leaf extract (LLE) on the quality of fresh goji fruit during postharvest storage at ambient temperature. The best coating formulation as follows: 0.2% LLE + 1% film former (the blend mass ratio 2:3:3 included sodium alginate, konjae glucomannan and starch) + 1% glycerin + 0.5% CaCl2 was defined based on the effect of the weight loss and decay ratio on goji berries. Goji fruit coated with LLE incorporated coating had significantly lower weight loss, decay rate and malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the blank control (uncoated) and the positive control (fumigated with 1-methylcyclopropene) after 9 d of storage. Moreover, LLE incorporated coating was found to effectively maintain ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, soluble solids content and superoxyde dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) activities higher levels compared to other treatments. Using LLE incorporated coating can extend the shelf life of goji berries for about 4 d. These findings suggested that LLE incorporated coating treatment has positive effects on extending postharvest life and improving quality of fresh goji fruit.