Evaluation of Natural Materials and Edible Coatings for Ripening Regulation and Shelf-Life Extension of Banana (Musa spp.) and Papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Fruit ripening is a vital physiological process that enhances the color, flavor, texture, and nutritional quality of climacteric fruits such as banana (Musa spp.) and papaya (Carica papaya L.). However, uncontrolled ripening accelerates senescence, leading to substantial postharvest losses. The present study aimed to evaluate simple, safe, and economical methods for accelerating (forward ripening) and delaying (reverse ripening) fruit ripening under ambient storage conditions. Mature, uniform, and defect-free banana and papaya fruits were subjected to different forward ripening treatments, including paper wrapping, banana leaf covering, plastic cover storage, and storage with ripened fruits to promote natural ethylene accumulation. Reverse ripening treatments consisted of coatings containing calcium chloride and sodium alginate at different concentrations, while potassium permanganate was evaluated as an ethylene scavenger. Fruits were stored at room temperature and monitored for seven days. Quality attributes, including total soluble solids (TSS), physiological weight loss, color development, and texture, were assessed using standard analytical procedures. The results demonstrated that forward ripening treatments accelerated uniform ripening and improved market readiness through enhanced ethylene accumulation. In contrast, calcium chloride-sodium alginate coatings effectively delayed ripening; the 3% calcium chloride-sodium alginate coating extended ripening to 9 days while reducing physiological weight loss to 7 g, maintained firmness, and preserved fruit quality during storage. Potassium permanganate further contributed to extending shelf life by reducing ethylene concentration. The study concludes that natural ripening techniques and edible coating treatments provide effective, low-cost, and safe alternatives for ripening management. These approaches have practical applications for farmers, retailers, and fruit industries by reducing postharvest losses, extending shelf life, and improving the marketability and quality of climacteric fruits.