Delaying tomato fruit ripening by using 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for better postharvest management: current status and prospects in India

Abstract

Rapid rate of ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit due to its climacteric ripening behaviour has direct implications on its postharvest management. In India, huge losses (25–40 %) occur due to glut of tomato in the market during summer and spring seasons. Non-availability of cost-effective, safe and simple method for delaying the ripening of harvested tomato fruits creates the problems pertaining to its storage, proper distribution, marketing, price fluctuation and net returns to the farmers. As a consequence quantitative as well as qualitative losses, consumption, nutritional status and processing aspects are adversely affected. The plant hormone ethylene is one of the prime regulators of ripening in tomato fruit. So for delaying the ripening, one approach involves inhibition of ethylene action. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is one such regulator and it is very effective in delaying the ripening and ripening-related changes in tomato fruits. This review aims to provide an update on 1-MCP along with a critical evaluation of scope, prospects and potential of using 1-MCP in India, particularly on tomato. Besides, the review also highlights some lesser reviewed but important issues related to 1-MCP such as; safety concerns, maximum residue limit and acceptable daily intake.