Combined effects of 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on different ripening stages of persimmon fruit during storage

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the combined effects of 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) applications and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to improve the storability of two different harvest maturity stages of ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits during 90 days storage at 1°C. For this purpose, 1-MCP, an ethylene action blocker was applied before MAP storage. ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits were stored for 90 days at 1°C and 90% relative humidity (RH) under two different MAPs after being exposed to 2 il l-1 1-MCP for 12 h or not exposed to 2 il l-1 1-MCP for 12 h (control). ‘Harbiye’ fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) content, pH, titratable acidity (TA), color (Ho) value and ethylene production changes were examined through the efficacy of 1-MCP and MAP treatment. 1-MCP-treated fruits delayed two different harvest maturity, persimmon fruits flesh firmness, and combination of 1-MCP with MAPA and MAPB reduced the ethylene production rate during storage. Treatment of 1-MCP improved storability of persimmon fruits more effectively than MAP storage. However, the results indicated that additional improvement in storage could be obtained by a combination of 1-MCP treatment followed by MAP storage. 1-MCP application maintained fruit firmness more effectively in less mature fruits more effectively than in fully mature fruits. Key words : Ethylene, harvest, maturity, modified atmosphere, persimmon, 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP).