Preharvest Calcium Chloride and Chitosan Sprays Dramatically Extend Shelf Life of ‘Mallika’ Mango

New Study Shows Calcium Chloride and Chitosan Sprays Extend ‘Mallika’ Mango Shelf Life by Six Days

A new research study published in Applied Fruit Science (2025) reports that preharvest spraying of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and chitosan significantly improves the postharvest quality and storability of mango cv. ‘Mallika’. The findings point to a simple, low-cost intervention capable of reducing postharvest losses — a major concern for mango growers and supply chains.

Researchers applied eight different preharvest treatments of CaCl₂ and chitosan at varying concentrations 15 and 30 days before harvest. Their goal was to assess whether these Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) compounds could slow down ripening-related deterioration during ambient storage.

The study revealed that the combined application of CaCl₂ 3% + chitosan 1% produced the strongest effect across nearly all evaluated parameters. Mangoes treated with this combination experienced:

Lowest weight loss over 16 days of storage
Significantly reduced decay incidence, nearly half that of untreated fruit
Higher retention of TSS, titratable acidity, reducing sugar, and total sugar
Greater ascorbic acid preservation compared to control fruit
Higher antioxidant activity throughout storage
Superior sensory scores for colour, texture, and flavour at days 13 and 16

Most notably, the treatment extended the shelf life by six days under ambient conditions relative to untreated mangoes, which lasted only 10 days.

The authors attribute the improvements to the film-forming, moisture-retaining properties of chitosan and the structural-stabilizing effects of calcium chloride in fruit tissues. Together, these compounds slow respiration, reduce water loss, delay ripening, and suppress decay.

With mango being one of the most widely consumed tropical fruits — yet also among the most perishable — the study underscores a promising, environmentally friendly postharvest strategy. Preharvest sprays of CaCl₂ and chitosan could help farmers reduce spoilage, improve fruit quality, and expand market reach without relying on synthetic postharvest chemicals.

Reference

Arya, N., Karuna, K., Rani, R. et al. Exogenous Calcium Chloride and Chitosan Improved Postharvest Quality and Storability of Mango cv. ‘Mallika’. Applied Fruit Science 67, 420 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10341-025-01612-3