Online First

 Preview Page

Research Article

Effects of Preharvest Alginate Coating on Fruit Quality Attributes, Physiological Disorders, and Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit of ‘Haegeum’ Kiwifruit during Shelf Life
Jiwon Park1
,
Youngmin Kim2
,
Hyowon Park1
,
Joohyuk Jo1
,
Theint Thandar Latt1
,
Si-Eun Byeon1
,
Jinhee Lee13
,
Jinwook Lee1*
1Department of Plant Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Korea
2Fruit Research Institute, Jeollanamdo Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Haenam 59021, Korea
3Postharvest Technology Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Wanju 55365, Korea
*Corresponding Author
PDF XML Citation
Abstract

After harvest, kiwifruit is susceptible to physiological disorders, such as fruit shriveling and fruit decay during shelf life. Alginate coating has therefore garnered interest as a method to control the incidence of these disorders in kiwifruit during postharvest handling. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different preharvest alginate coating concentrations on fruit quality attributes, physiological disorders, and phenolic compounds, as well as to examine the relationships between physiological disorders and response variables in ‘Haegeum’ kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) throughout its shelf life. The severity of fruit decay and shriveling was highest in 0% alginate coating treatment, compared with other concentrations. Fruit weight loss was also highest in 0% alginate-coated fruit, compared with 1% and 2% alginate-coated fruit. The 2% alginate coating treatment significantly reduced ethylene production and respiration rates. Flesh firmness was lowest in 1% alginate, compared with the other treatments. The contents of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, and total carotenoids were highest in the 1% alginate-coated fruit. While decay was positively correlated with procyanidin B2, fruit shriveling was positively correlated with ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds, fresh weight loss, ethylene production, respiration rate, and peel redness during 14 days of shelf life. Overall, our results showed that alginate coating can reduce the incidence of decay and shriveling by suppressing the ethylene production and respiration rates in ‘Haegeum’ kiwifruit during shelf life.

Keywords
ascorbic acid
ethylene production
fruit decay
fruit shriveling
total antioxidant scavenging capacity
total carotenoids
References
1

Arnon DI (1949) Copper enzymes in isolated chloroplasts. Polyphenoloxidase in Beta vulgaris. Plant Physiol 24:1-15. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.24.1.1

10.1104/pp.24.1.116654194PMC437905
2

Byeon SE, Jeong S, Lwin HP, Lee J, Latt TT, Park H, Yun YE, Lee JS, Lee J (2023) Seasonal difference of fruit quality attributes and physiological disorders in paprika cultivars under a simulated export system. Hortic Sci Technol 41:414-428. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20230038

10.7235/HORT.20230038
3

Choi D, Choi JH, Park KJ, Kim C, Lim JH, Kim DH (2023) Transcriptomic analysis of effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and ethylene treatment on kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) ripening. Front Plant Sci 13:1084997. https://https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1084997

10.3389/fpls.2022.108499736684730PMC9849763
4

Choi HR, Baek MW, Cheol LH, Jeong CS, Tilahun S (2022a) Changes in metabolites and antioxidant activities of green ‘Hayward’ and gold ‘Haegeum’ kiwifruits during ripening with ethylene treatment. Food Chem 384:132490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132490

10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.132490
5

Choi HR, Baek MW, Tilahun S, Jeong CS (2022b) Long-term cold storage affects metabolites, antioxidant activities, and ripening and stress-related genes of kiwifruit cultivars. Postharvest Biol Technol 189:111912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2022.111912

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2022.111912
6

Choi HR, Tilahun S, Park DS, Lee YM, Choi JH, Baek MW, Jeong CS (2019) Harvest time affects quality and storability of kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.): Cultivars during long-term cool storage. Sci Hortic 256:108523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2019.05.050

10.1016/j.scienta.2019.05.050
7

Díaz-Mula HM, Serrano M, Valero D (2012) Alginate coatings preserve fruit quality and bioactive compounds during storage of sweet cherry fruit. Food Bioprocess Technol 5:2990-2997. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-011-0599-2

10.1007/s11947-011-0599-2
8

Hira N, Mitalo OW, Okada R, Sangawa M, Masuda K, Fujita N, Ushijima K, Akagi T, Kubo Y (2022) The effect of layer-by-layer edible coating on the shelf life and transcriptome of ‘Kosui’ Japanese pear fruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 185:111787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111787

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111787
9

Hwang JS, Cho CH, Baik MY, Park SK, Heo HJ, Cho YS, Kim DO (2017) Effects of freeze-drying on antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities in various cultivars of kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.). Food Sci Biotechnol 26:221-228. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-017-0030-5

10.1007/s10068-017-0030-530263532PMC6049463
10

Kim GH, Song KI, Koh YJ, Jung JS, Cho YS, Kim KH (2015) Reactions of Korean new cultivar ‘Haegeum’ against major diseases of kiwifruit. Acta Hortic 1096:403-408. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1096.48

10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1096.48
11

Kim J, Lee JG, Lim S, Lee EJ (2023) A comparison of physicochemical and ripening characteristics of golden-fleshed ‘Haegeum’ and green-fleshed ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit during storage at 0°C and ripening at 25°C. Postharvest Biol Technol 196:112166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2022.112166

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2022.112166
12

Kumarihami HMPC, Cha GH, Kim JG, Kim HL, Lee M, Kwack YB, Cho JG, Kim J (2020) Effect of preharvest Ca-chitosan application on postharvest quality of ‘Garmrok’ kiwifruit during cold storage. Hortic Sci Technol 38:239-248. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20200023

10.7235/HORT.20200023
13

Latt TT, Lwin HP, Han SY, Lee J, Byeon SE, Park H, Lee J (2025) Onion bulb size differentially affects bulb quality attributes by mediating mineral nutrients and targeted major metabolites during long-term cold storage in commercial packinghouse. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 66:269-286. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-024-00662-y

10.1007/s13580-024-00662-y
14

Latt TT, Lwin HP, Seo HJ, Hong SS, Lee J (2024) Preharvest gibberellic acid4+7 (GA4+7) treatment induces physiological disorders by mediating major metabolites in cold-stored ‘Wonhwang’ pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai). Sci Hortic 329:112971. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.112971

10.1016/j.scienta.2024.112971
15

Latt TT, Lwin HP, Seo HJ, Lee J (2023) 1-Methylcyclopropene delays degradation of peel greenness but induces internal physiological disorders in cold-stored fruit of interspecific pears. Sci Hortic 312:111852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111852

10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111852
16

Lee I, Im S, Jin CR, Heo HJ, Cho YS, Baik MY, Kim DO (2015a) Effect of maturity stage at harvest on antioxidant capacity and total phenolics in kiwifruits (Actinidia spp.) grown in Korea. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 56:841-848. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-015-1085-y

10.1007/s13580-015-1085-y
17

Lee I, Lee BH, Eom SH, Oh CS, Kang HK, Cho YS, Kim DO (2015b) Antioxidant capacity and protective effects on neuronal PC-12 cells of domestic bred kiwifruit. Hortic Sci Technol 33:259-267. https://doi.org/10.7235/hort.2015.14123

10.7235/hort.2015.14123
18

Li H, Huang Z, Addo KA, Yu Y (2022) Evaluation of postharvest quality of plum (Prunus salicina L. cv. ‘French’) treated with layer-by-layer edible coating during storage. Sci Hortic 304:111310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111310

10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111310
19

Li S, Zhang L, Liu M, Wang X, Zhao G, Zong W (2017) Effect of poly-ε-lysine incorporated into alginate-based edible coatings on microbial and physicochemical properties of fresh-cut kiwifruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 134:114-121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2017.08.014

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2017.08.014
20

Lim S, Han SH, Kim J, Lee HJ, Lee JG, Lee EJ (2016) Inhibition of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia aruguta) ripening by 1-methylcyclopropene during cold storage and anticancer properties of the fruit extract. Food Chem 190:150-157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.085

10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.05.085
21

Lim YJ, Lim CK, Eom SH (2018) Changes in bioactive components, antioxidant radical scavenging activities, and cholinesterase inhibition activities in periodically harvested and post-harvested kiwifruits. Hortic Sci Technol 36:245-255. https://doi.org/10.12972/kjhst.20180025

10.12972/kjhst.20180025
22

Lim YJ, Oh CS, Park YD, Eom SH, Kim DO, Kim UJ, Cho YS (2014) Physiological components of kiwifruits with in vitro antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Food Sci Biotechnol 23:943-949. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-014-0127-z

10.1007/s10068-014-0127-z
23

Liu J, Kennedy JF, Zhang X, Heng Y, Chen W, Chen Z, Wu X, Wu X (2020) Preparation of alginate oligosaccharide and its effects on decay control and quality maintenance of harvested kiwifruit. Carbohydr Polym 242:116462. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116462

10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116462
24

Lwin HP, Han SY, Byeon SE, Lee J, Yoo J, Jung Hi, Lee J (2023a) Differential responses of bulb quality attributes, mineral nutrient contents, and targeted major metabolites in onion bulbs after long-term commercial cold storage. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 64:627-642. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-023-00513-2

10.1007/s13580-023-00513-2
25

Lwin HP, Lee J (2021) Differential effects of preharvest sprayable 1-methylcyclopropene application on fruit quality attributes and major targeted metabolites in cold-stored ‘Chuhwangbae’ pears. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 62:53-61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-020-00289-9

10.1007/s13580-020-00289-9
26

Lwin HP, Leisso RS, Lee J (2023b) Pre-storage temperature conditioning reduces cortex browning and cavity and alters organic, amino, and fatty acid metabolism in cold-stored ‘Chuhwangbae’ pears. Sci Hortic 315:111989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111989

10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111989
27

Manzoor S, Gull A, Wani SM, Ganaie TA, Masoodi FA, Bashir K, Malik AR, Dar BN (2021) Improving the shelf life of fresh cut kiwi using nanoemulsion coatings with antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Food Biosci 41:101015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101015

10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101015
28

Nair MS, Saxena A, Kaur C (2018) Effect of chitosan and alginate based coatings enriched with pomegranate peel extract to extend the postharvest quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.). Food Chem 240:245-252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.07.122

10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.07.122
29

Olmedo GM, Plotto A, Mattia M, Zhao W, Hunter W, Rosskopf EN, Obenland D, Bai J (2025) Evaluation of modified humidity and controlled-release thymol on the preservation of blueberries and blackberries. Postharvest Biol Technol 219:113237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.113237

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.113237
30

Oms-Oliu G, Soliva-Fortuny R, Martín-Belloso O (2008a) Edible coatings with antibrowning agents to maintain sensory quality and antioxidant properties of fresh-cut pears. Postharvest Biol Technol 50:87-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2008.03.005

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2008.03.005
31

Oms-Oliu G, Soliva-Fortuny R, Martín-Belloso O (2008b) Using polysaccharide-based edible coatings to enhance quality and antioxidant properties of fresh-cut melon. LWT - Food Sci Technol 41:1862-1870. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2008.01.007

10.1016/j.lwt.2008.01.007
32

Park H, Eo HJ, Kim CW, Stewart JE, Lee U, Lee J (2024a) Physiological disorders in cold-stored ‘Autumn Sense’ hardy kiwifruit depend on the storage temperature and the modulation of targeted metabolites. Food Chem 460:140730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140730

10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140730
33

Park H, Eo HJ, Kim CW, Stewart JE, Lee U, Lee J (2025) Differential regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway highly contributes to the susceptibility of chilling-induced necrotic peel disorders in cold-stored hardy kiwifruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 221:113337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.113337

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.113337
34

Park H, Latt TT, Jeong S, Byeon SE, Lee J, Lwin HP, Eo HJ, Kim CW, Lee U, et al. (2024b) Packaging container effects on fruit quality attributes, mechanical injury and physiological disorders in hardy kiwifruit cultivars under a simulated handling system. Hortic Sci Technol 42:399-413. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20240034

10.7235/HORT.20240034
35

Peng J, Zhao P, Lin X, Njie A, Zhang Q, Luo D, Zhang Y, Huber DJ, Dong X (2025) Progress in research on the effects of preharvest inducers on postharvest fruit disease resistance and physiological disorders. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 66:393-405. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-024-00672-w

10.1007/s13580-024-00672-w
36

Peretto G, Du WX, Avena-Bustillos RJ, De J. Berrios J, Sambo P, McHugh TH (2017) Electrostatic and conventional spraying of alginate-based edible coating with natural antimicrobials for preserving fresh strawberry quality. Food Bioprocess Technol 10:165-174. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-016-1808-9

10.1007/s11947-016-1808-9
37

Re R, Pellegrini N, Proteggente A, Pannala A, Yang M, Rice-Evans C (1999) Antioxidant activity applying an improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. Free Radic Biol Med 26:1231-1237. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0891-5849(98)00315-3

10.1016/S0891-5849(98)00315-3
38

Shin MH, Muneer S, Kim YH, Lee JJ, Bae DW, Kwack YB, Kumarihami HMPC, Kim JG (2020) Proteomic analysis reveals dynamic regulation of fruit ripening in response to exogenous ethylene in kiwifruit cultivars. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 61:93-114. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-019-00209-6

10.1007/s13580-019-00209-6
39

Tilahun S, Choi HR, Park DS, Lee YM, Choi JH, Baek MW, Hyok K, Park SM, Jeong CS (2020) Ripening quality of kiwifruit cultivars is affected by harvest time. Sci Hortic 261:108936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2019.108936

10.1016/j.scienta.2019.108936
40

Xie J, Wu K, Wang M, Jiang A, Chen C (2025) Effects of preharvest alginate oligosaccharides treatment on water stress-induced cracking of sweet cherry fruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 223:113430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.113430

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.113430
41

Xiong S, Ma Z, Xiong H, Yuan M, Jiang A, Zhang P (2024) Preserving refrigeration and shelf life quality of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta) with alginate oligosaccharides preharvest application. J Food Sci 89:7422-7436. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.17449

10.1111/1750-3841.17449
42

Zapata PJ, Guillén F, Martínez-Romero D, Castillo S, Valero D, Serrano M (2008) Use of alginate or zein as edible coatings to delay postharvest ripening process and to maintain tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill) quality. J Sci Food Agric 88:1287-1293. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.3220

10.1002/jsfa.3220
43

Zhuo R, Li B, Tian S (2022) Alginate oligosaccharide improves resistance to postharvest decay and quality in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Bruno). Hortic Plant J 8:44-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpj.2021.07.003

10.1016/j.hpj.2021.07.003
Information
  • Publisher :KOREAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국원예학회
  • Journal Title :Horticultural Science and Technology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :원예과학기술지
  • Received Date : 2025-11-26
  • Revised Date : 2026-01-07
  • Accepted Date : 2026-02-09
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20260006
Journal Informaiton Horticultural Science and Technology Horticultural Science and Technology
Online Submission
  • scopus
  • NRF
  • KOFST
  • crossref crossmark
  • crossref cited-by
  • crosscheck
  • orcid
  • open access
  • ccl
Journal Informaiton Journal Informaiton - close