BACKGROUND: The marketability of bananas over long distances has been limited due to their highly perishable nature and sensitivity to ethylene. To increase the shelf-life several alternatives have been tested in attempts to maintain quality characteristics. We evaluated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (SmartFreshSM, 1-MCP) and a chitosan-based edible coating (FreshSeal®, EC), applied alone or combined, on bananas at ripeness stage 3. All fruits were stored for 8 days at 22 °C, 85% RH. Color development, weight loss, firmness, physiological, sensory and chemical variables were evaluated.