Sustainable postharvest quality enhancement of Kent mangoes using alginate coating enriched with mango seed by-product extract

Natural edible coatings enriched with bioactive compounds offer a promising approach to enhancing the postharvest quality of mangoes ( Mangifera indica L.). These fruits are prone to rapid physiological and biochemical deterioration and diseases such as anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides . This study investigated the efficacy of a natural alginate-based coating, enriched with mango seed extract, in improving the postharvest quality of fresh Kent mangoes. The mango seed extract was characterized for its total phenolic content, flavonoid levels, and antioxidant capacity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Mangoes were treated with various formulations and stored at a refrigerated temperature of 10 ± 2 °C for 25 days, during which quality parameters such as weight loss, firmness, respiration rate, internal color, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and antifungal activity were assessed. Results indicated that the alginate-based coating with 1% mango seed extract significantly enhanced the preservation of mango quality attributes, demonstrating reduced weight loss, improved firmness, and effective antifungal activity. This approach not only supports the sustainable postharvest management of export-quality mangoes but also promotes the valorization of agro-industrial waste and the development of environmentally friendly postharvest technologies.