The use of bentonite coatings for mango preservation was investigated. Mangos were coated with bentonite
and bentonite loaded with potassium sorbate at ambient temperature. The major properties of
quality and physiology assessed including color change, decay index, weight loss, respiration intensity,
soluble sugar content, titratable acidity, vitamin C content, soluble solids content, protopectin content,
and soluble pectin content. Results indicated that mangos treated by either bentonite or bentonite loaded
with potassium sorbate exhibited reduced decay, delayed postharvest ripening, decreased water loss,
maintained high vitamin C levels, preserved titratable acidity, and no changes in flavor. These effects
were greater for bentonite loaded with potassium sorbate than for pure bentonite. Overall results suggest
that bentonite and bentonite loaded with potassium sorbate coatings could extend the shelf-life of mangos
with optimum quality.