1-methylcyclopropene suppresses anaerobic metabolism in apples stored under dynamic controlled atmosphere monitored by respiratory quotient

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the present work was to assess the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment on ‘Galaxy’, ‘Fuji’ and ‘Pink Lady’ apples harvested at two maturity stages (ripe and overripe) and stored under a new type of dynamic controlled atmosphere based on respiratory quotient (DCA-RQ1.5) and its effect on the anaerobic metabolism products formation (compounds related to off-flavours) and quality keeping after 9 months of storage plus 7 days of shelf life at 20 °C. The 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application suppressed the anaerobic metabolism products formation of the three apple cultivars and two maturity stages studied after 9 months of storage in DCA-RQ 1.5 plus 7 days of shelf life at 20 °C. Additionally, the anaerobic metabolism had a distinct behavior among maturity stages and apple cultivars. 1-MCP application also resulted in lower ACC oxidase enzyme activity and ethylene production. Thus, 1-MCP become an important technique to suppress the anaerobic metabolism risk of apples stored under DCA-RQ 1.5. 1-MCP treatment not result in higher flesh firmness maintenance after storage in DCA-RQ 1.5.