Effect of Ginkgo biloba seed exopleura extract and chitosan coating on the postharvest quality of ginkgo seed.

Background: The effects of Ginkgo biloba seed exopleura extract (GSEE) and chitosan (CH) coating on the preservation of ginkgo seeds were investigated.

Results: Results showed that CH could alleviate the decay rate, and that CH combined with GSEE (CH-GSEE) treatment further inhibited the development of seed decay due to the additional antifungal activity of GSEE. The nutrient contents, including water, starch and soluble protein, were maintained by both CH-GSEE and CH treatments. CH-GSEE treatment led to better restriction on oxidative stress by decreasing superoxide anion production rate, membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content, respiration rate and ethylene production rate. The antioxidant enzyme activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in ginkgo seeds were maintained by treatment with CH-GSEE at a higher level. These results were consistent with the enhanced visual appearance, qualities and storability of the CH-GSEE-treated seeds. Principal component analysis provided a global view of the internal relations of the ginkgo seeds with different treatments.

Conclusions: The postharvest qualities of CH-GSEE-treated seeds were better than those of other treatment groups. Therefore, CH-GSEE is an effective and alternative way for inhibiting decay, maintaining quality and extending the postharvest life of ginkgo seeds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.