Propolis extract coated in Pera orange fruits: An alternative to cold storage

Abstract

Orange (Citrus sinensis) is a non-climacteric fruit that can be stored for long periods. However, the development of physiological and phytopathological disorders limits its postharvest storage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of coating orange with propolis extract on the physicochemical characteristics of the "Pera" orange during storage under ambient temperature. The fruits were selected and submitted to five postharvest treatments, three different forms of dip coating (70% alcohol, hydroalcoholic extract of propolis to 2.5%, hydroalcoholic extract of propolis to 5%), and two controls (one uncoated and one uncoated fruit kept under refrigeration). The variables weight loss, firmness, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ratio TSS/TA, and hydrogenic potential (pH) were evaluated at 0, 10, 18, and 25 days of storage. Treatment with propolis extract coating reduced the weight loss until the 18th day of storage. The fruit coated with propolis extract remained firmer up to 25 days of storage; this result is not significantly different from that of other postharvest treatments. The postharvest "refrigerated" treatment showed lesser weight loss and firmness during the storage period as a result of chilling injury. Coating with propolis extracts resulted in significant alterations of small magnitude in the variables TSS, TA, TSS/TA, and pH in oranges at the end of the storage period.

Efficacy of stingless bee (Heterotrigona itama) propolis aqueous extract in controlling anthracnose and maintaining postharvest quality of chilli (Capsicum annuum) during storage

“…The present work showed that the increase in TSS in chillies treated with propolis was significantly delayed as compared to control (p < 0.05), which suggested a slower conversion of starch into watersoluble sugars (Samira et al, 2013). This observation was in conformity to previous studies reporting on a lower TSS values of other fruits treated with propolis, such as bananas (Passos et al, 2016) and peppers (Ekhuemelo et al, 2018). A slower increase in TSS in propolis-treated chillies in the present work thus indicated the potential of stingless bee propolis in delaying their ripening.…”

“…Previous studies have reported similar observations on the effectiveness of honeybee propolis to delay weight loss of dragon fruits and cherry tomatoes (Zahid et al, 2013;Pobiega et al 2020). Propolis was also found to delay the reduction of weight in many fruits including bananas, grapefruits, grapes, mangoes, oranges, papayas, pomegranates, bell peppers, and tomatoes (Passos et al, 2016). This, therefore, suggested the effectiveness of propolis extract in creating a protective layer on the chillies which reduced the loss of moisture, thus lowering the rate of weight loss.…”

Effect of guava leaf and lemon extracts on postharvest quality and shelf life of banana cv. Sabri (Musa sapientum L.)

“…3). Flavia et al (2016) also reported delayed weight loss in propolis extract coated pera orange fruits at ambient conditions.…”

Preserving the Postharvest Quality of Thompson Seedless Grape by Using Propolis and Aloe Vera Gel Coating

“…Also, through the storage for 25 days, both the control and 2.5% propolis exhibited raise in the TA content. Mendes et al (26) found that the impact was significantly more obvious in the postharvest control sample. The exhaustion of organic acids during respiration could be explained as the reduction of TA in the fruit (32).…”