Sodium alginate-based coating incorporated with Anemone vitifolia Buch.-Ham. extract: Application in peach preservation

The extract from Anemone vitifolia Buch.-Ham. was used for postharvest peach preservation for the first time. Different extracts of A. vitifolia were obtained by liquid-liquid extraction based on the gradient polarity, which were analyzed and characterized through HPLC, TLC NMR data and related literatures. Seven saprophytic fungi were isolated and identified from rotting peaches, thus clarifying the main saprophytic fungi. The extracts have certain antifungal effects on above identified fungi. It was found that n-butanol extract/sodium alginate coating of A. vitifolia, which mainly contains triterpenoid saponins and sterol saponins has a good effect on preserving the quality and repelling insects of peach fruit. Bio-safety evaluation result shows that To+SA, PE+SA, EA+SA, nB+SA and W+SA coating are relatively safe. Taken together, these results illuminated that A. vitifolia extract could be used as a promising alternative of peach natural preservatives. [Display omitted] •Insect behavior was used to evaluate the insect-repellent effect of plant extracts.•A. vitifolia extract was used for postharvest senescence of peach for the first time.•The bio-safety of the A. vitifolia root extracts coating was evaluated.•The main saprophytic fungi of peach fruits were isolated and molecule identified.•The in vitro antifungal activity of plant extracts was investigated.