3.2.7. Decay Incidence

Percentage decay incidence was observed throughout the storage of 21 days at 8 ◦C. An increase in decay of the samples became more pronounced between 7–14 and 14–21 days interval. All the fruits in the control treatment showed microbial infection with different levels of severity on the disease incidence scale (Figure 4c). Maximum disease incidence of 67.33% was observed for uncoated samples during the first week of storage and corresponded with the results of Klangmuang and Sothornvit [37]. The decay incidence decreased with an increase in beeswax concentration, with S4 being the most efficient in reducing fruit decay. This may be attributed to the antimicrobial properties and inhibitory action of chitosan and *Aloe vera*, which helped to maintain the cellular integrity. Amino group of chitosan attaches to the cell membrane of bacteria through electrostatic forces, which permanently destroys the bacterial cell [10]. Additionally, *Aloe vera* extract used in coatings might have released phenolic compounds to thwart microbial growth [27]. Hinderance in the transport of oxygen from the environment to the surface of fruit might also have contributed to reduced microbial growth [9].
