Effects of chitosan coating on postharvest quality and shelf life of sponge gourd ( Luffa cylindrica ) during storage

•It is the first time to figure out postharvest quality of sponge gourd.•Chitosan coating markedly delayed senescence and enhanced shelf life of sponge gourd.•Chitosan induced the content of ascorbic acid and total phenolics, and suppressed activities of PPO, POD and PAL in sponge gourd.•Fibrosis of sponge gourd can be delayed by chitosan coating.