Desarrollo de un recubrimiento antifúngico con semilla de aguacate para el control de antracnosis en banano

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. The objective of this project is to develop an antifungal coating based on avocado seeds to control anthracnose in bananas through vacuum impregnation. It is proposed that the coating contributes to delaying fruit deterioration and helps preserve its quality during storage, highlighting its importance in improving the shelf life of this export product. For its implementation, an extract was obtained from Hass avocado seeds, formulated in combination with cassava starch with a smaller proportion of avocado starch, glycerol, and vinegar, applied to bananas using immersion and vacuum impregnation techniques. The experimental design included physicochemical (weight loss, °Brix, pH, water activity, color, and hardness) and microbiological evaluations under controlled storage conditions. The results showed that the coatings, especially those applied by vacuum impregnation with 3% extract, reduced weight loss, maintained brightness and firmness better, delayed the increase in soluble solids, and decreased the incidence of anthracnose compared to untreated fruits. The aim of this project is to develop an antifungal coating based on avocado seeds to control anthracnose. It is concluded that the formulation of the coating, together with the vacuum impregnation technique, constitutes a promising, effective, and sustainable strategy for prolonging the post-harvest quality of bananas intended for export. Keywords: preservation, coating, extract, avocado seed, anthracnose.