By comparing the changes in appearance and different quality and physiological indexes between experimental groups and the control group during storage, the effects of bentonite and bentonite/ potassium sorbate were determined. The weight loss of mangos in the group coated with bentonite/potassium sorbate was lower than that of CK group 10% on the final day. Ripening time was extended from several days to more than two weeks, decay index was reduced more than 50% on day 16 and decay was held off, the respiration rate of coated mangos was reduced averagely by 5% and
the respiratory peak delayed, and TA degradation was prevented, and TA content of mangos coated bentonite–potassium sorbate was 0.5% higher than that of CK group. The soluble sugar contents of experimental groups were 2.5% higher than that of group CK and soluble solids contents were more 4% higher than that of CK on day 16. The degradation of VC was postponed and the VC contents in experimental groups exceeded 20% comparing CK. The rate of transformation of pectin slowed down too; the soluble pectin content of experimental groups was 0.25% lower than that of CK on
day 16. These results suggest that the bentonite coatings affected the fruits’ metabolic activity. The coating inhibits mass transfer of water and gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. It also could absorb ethylene formed during the ripening and decay processes of fruit. Therefore, the appearance of the mangos was preserved and shelf life was extended at room temperature. Bentonite/potassium sorbate coatings on mango showed the best results in all tested quality and physiological indexes, it is inferred to be the combined effect of bentonite and potassium sorbate.