Exploring the potential of propolis coating for enhancing banana (Musa paradisiaca) postharvest

This research examines the effectiveness of propolis coatings in improving postharvest quality and extending the shelf life of bananas ( Musa paradisiaca ). Due to their high perishability, bananas are prone to significant postharvest losses. This study explores the use of propolis as a natural and eco-friendly method to mitigate these losses without compromising fruit quality. The objectives were to determine the optimal concentration of propolis for extending shelf life, evaluate physicochemical changes during storage and assess the coating’s effect on disease incidence. Harvested bananas were treated with different concentrations of propolis solutions. Quality parameters including skin colour, physiological weight loss (PLW), and disease incidence were measured over a 10-day storage period at room temperature. Bananas treated with 6 g of propolis per 100 ml of distilled water showed the good results, with the low PLW (5.25%). A highly significant difference was observed in PLW among treatments (p ≤ 0.05), while no significant differences were found in skin colour or disease incidence between treatments. Propolis coatings likely helped reduce moisture loss and respiration, delaying ripening and minimizing deterioration. These findings suggest that propolis is a promising natural preservative and an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical postharvest treatments. Further research is needed to assess sensory qualities, refine application methods and evaluate the commercial viability of using propolis in postharvest handling practices.