Food preservatives, namely, soluble formulations composed of naturally occurring plant extracts; food preservatives, namely, soluble formulations, emulsions, and solutions for forming coatings on the surfaces of perishable items; soluble formulations, emulsions, and solutions for extending the useful shelf life of perishable items; solutions, emulsions, and soluble formulations for protecting perishable items from degradation by biotic or abiotic stressors; edible coatings; molecular coatings for plants, fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items; edible coatings for extending the useful shelf life of perishable items; coatings for protecting perishable items from degradation by biotic or abiotic stressors; soluble formulations, solutions, and emulsions that may be applied to surfaces of perishable items in order to passivate the surfaces from degradation by biotic or abiotic stressors; molecular coatings for delaying ripening of harvested produce; flower and plant preservatives, namely, solutions, emulsions, and soluble formulations that can be applied to pre-harvest plants and produce to naturally retard plant respiration and transpiration, and molecular coatings for extending the shelf life of cut flowers; food preservatives, namely, soluble formulations, emulsions, and solutions for protecting perishable items from bacteria, fungi, insects, and other biotic stressors, edible coatings for protecting perishable items from bacteria, fungi, insects, and other biotic stressors, soluble formulations and solutions that may be applied to perishable items to protect from degradation by biotic stressors; soluble formulations, emulsions, and solutions for modifying or improving the aesthetic qualities of perishable items; edible coatings for modifying or improving the aesthetic qualities of perishable items