Simple technologies are required for reducing the post harvest losses of horticultural produce. Edible films are being studied extensively for application on fresh and cut fruits and vegetables. Tomato, being a very nutritious and important food and a highly perishable climacteric fruit, this study was planned to investigate the application of chitosan films. Chitosan is a biodegradable waste product from sea food and is safe for consumption. With a view to broaden its antimicrobial activity it was combined with lysozyme, a lytic enzyme. Since the edible films are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, they were studied under ambient and optimal conditions of storage. / This study showed that 1% chitosan was more suitable for tomatoes for storage at both conditions of ambient and low temperature. Respiration study showed that 1% chitosan treatments resulted in more favorable levels of CO 2 production and internal O2. This was reflected in the quality of tomatoes held under these conditions. Two per cent chitosan films were unsuitable due to their high CO2 production and low internal O 2 levels. Spoilage was more apparent in this treatment. Lysozyme addition did not show any additional benefit. / The research in this study has demonstrated that the selection of edible films for horticultural produce needs to be integrated with the requirement of storage conditions of the produce.

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