BIOACTIVE COATING FOR HARVESTED COMMODITIES

摘要

A bioactive coating composition which comprises a modified chitosan matrix containing a yeast antagonistic to postharvest pathogens. Chitosans were not expected to be useful in combination with antagonistic yeasts due to their antifungal properties. However, certain antagonistic yeasts were found to be compatible with modified chitosans and useful for the control of decay and ripening. The combination of modified chitosans with antagonists makes it possible to exploit the antifungal and eliciting properties of chitosan, as well as the biological activity of the antagonist. The complexity of the mode of action displayed by combined alternatives makes the development of pathogen resistance more difficult and presents a highly complex disease deterrent barrier.