Utilizzo di Chitosano per il controllo di patologie post-raccolta in cultivar di ciliegio

The effectiveness of chitosan pre-harvest treatment on sweet cherry to control postharvest deseases was determined in Piedmont. Chitosan was applied by preharvest spraying at 1.0% concentration. Sweet cherries of two cultivars were sprayed with chitosan 14 and 7 days before harvest. Untreated sweet cherries were used as controls. Parameters related to quality (firmness, colour, TSS, TA), changes in bioactive compounds (total polyphenols, total anthocyanins and total antioxidant activity) and postharvest deseases (%) were analyzed during 28 days of cold storage at 1°C. The results, although variables, seem to indicate that chitosan treatment is a valid strategy to reduce postharvest decay of sweet cherries.