Project Number: 6621-43000-001-08
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Oct 01, 2008
End Date: Sep 30, 2011

Objective:
To improve shelf life and quality of intact and fresh-cut fruits such as blueberry, strawberry, citrus, mango and other tropical or subtropical fruit using edible coatings and other surface treatments.

Approach:
Edible coatings will be developed by both parties to be tested on blueberries, strawberries, whole and cut fruit, as well as citrus and tropical fruits. Coating effects will be measured as shelf life extension, decay, number of lesions, turgor, respiration rate, color, texture, aroma, and in some cases, sensory attributes. Further coating development will include antimicrobial substances, and testing new containers (clamshells).