مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment on the Storage Life and Quality of Angeleno Plum

Abstract :

This research was carried out to determine the effects of 1-MCP treatment on storage life and quality of plum cv. Angeleno. After optimum harvest, plums were precooled (the internal temperature of fruits reduced to 2-3 °C, within 6 hours) by using forced air cooling at 1 °C temperature. Then plums were divided into two groups. Non-treated first group was used as control group. Second group was treated with 1-MCP (0.625 ppm) at room temperature for 12 h. After treatments, fruits of both groups were placed in modified atmosphere package (polyethylene bags manufactured for plums) and stored at 0 °C and 90 ± 5 % relative humidity for 4 months. Weight loss, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, fruit skin color, respiration rate, ethylene production, atmospheric composition in MAP and sensorial evaluation (external appearance, taste and internal browning) were performed at harvest date and one month intervals during storage. The same analyses were repeated during the shelf life. 1-MCP+MAP treatment significantly reduced the weight loss, respiration rate and ethylene production, and maintained the fruit firmness of plums better than control group during cold storage and shelf life. In conclusion, 1-MCP was effective to prolong the storage life and maintain the post-harvest quality of Angeleno plums.