Combined effects of paper‐containing 1‐methylcyclopropene with nitrogen‐modified atmosphere packaging in the logistics process of e‐commerce on fruit quality of plum (Prunus salicina cv. ‘Qingcuili’) during shelf life

Abstract

SummaryIn this study, the paper‐containing 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) and 100% nitrogen (modified atmosphere packaging, MAP) were used to treat plums during logistics process of e‐commerce (about 24 h). Quality changes of plums were analysed during shelf life at 25 °C and 4 °C for 6 and 12 days, respectively. Results showed that compared with control, 1‐MCP, MAP and 1‐MCP + MAP decreased respiration rate and ethylene production, maintained lower weight loss, higher green (a*) and firmness, maintained titratable acidity (TA) and ascorbic acid (ASA) content, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and maintained peroxidase (POD) activity. The quality of 1‐MCP + MAP group was the best, followed by the 1‐MCP group and MAP group. Overall, the combination of 1‐MCP with MAP treatments in the logistics process of e‐commerce has potential prospects for application to maintain the shelf life quality of fruits.