NATURAL COATING FOR POST-HARVEST TREATMENT OF MELON

Abstract

The present invention consists of a coating product made from natural polymers and tomato plant extract, which improves the post-harvest quality of melons by retarding fungal and bacterial growth and extending the shelf life of stored melons, thus preventing economic losses for producers and retailers. This bioactive coating is applied to the fruit by immersion, then allowed to dry before packaging. In this way, the melon can be preserved for longer (up to 30 days) with excellent microbiological quality and delayed ripening. This allows the melon to last longer during transport to its point of sale, or to remain on the shelf longer, with the firmness and microbiological quality desired by the consumer.