RIPENING INHIBITION OF SEA URCHIN (Diadema setosum)-DERIVED CHITOSAN COATING IN CLIMACTERIC BANANA VARIETIES

Bananas (Musa acuminata) are a nutritious and economic crop globally; but, in tropical countries such as the Philippines, they are sensitive to premature postharvest ripening, resulting in significant losses. Synthetic chemicals are frequently used in preservation processes, which have negative environmental, health, and economic consequences. Chitosan, a biodegradable polysaccharide with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, has been found as a suitable natural replacement. This study investigated the efficacy of sea urchin (Diadema setosum) shell-derived chitosan as a postharvest covering for saba, lakatan, and latundan bananas. Chitosan was made by decolorization, deproteinization, demineralization, and deacetylation before being added to the experimental samples, leaving the control samples untreated. All samples were stored in a bamboo chamber, and peel color, pH, weight loss, and lowering sugar content were monitored and recorded for seven days. Results showed that treated bananas ripened more slowly, exhibited lower pH values and reduced weight loss compared to controls, indicating delayed senescence. The sugar content was higher in most control samples. Statistical analysis supported these findings, highlighting the potential of sea urchin-derived chitosan as an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for extending banana shelf life.