Physiological and Biochemical Responses in Cold-Stored Citrus Fruits to Carboxymethyl Cellulose Coating Containing Ethanol Extract of Impatiens balsamina L. Stems

A novel edible coating based on carboxymethyl cellulose (1.5%, CMC)containing ethanol extract of Impatiens balsamina L. stems, 0.07% citric acid, 0.5% sucrose ester, 1.0% calcium propionate and 0.5% glycerol was applied to "Xinyu" tangerines to delay their ripening and prolong postharvest life during storage at 5C for 100 days. The addition of IB extract as antifungal components in the CMC coating had an inhibitory effect on mold growth, and the coated treatments significantly decreased decay rate and weight loss, maintained commercial quality and enhanced the activities of antioxidant and defense-related enzymes compared with the uncoated control group. The results suggested that by applying the complex coating, we can delay the ripening and prolong the postharvest life of "Xinyu" tangerines.