Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the postharvest senescence of coriander leaves during storage and its relation to antioxidant enzyme activity

Abstract

The postharvest quality response of coriander leaves (Coriandrum sativum L.) to the ethylene action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) during storage was assessed. Pre-treatment with 1-MCP at 0.5gm−3 was applied for 8h at 15°C. 1-MCP treated as well as control leaves were stored at 5 or 15°C until the marketable quality of leaves was terminated. 1-MCP treatment significantly increased the shelf-life of coriander leaves compared to the untreated control and leaf weight loss with 1-MCP treatment was minimal whether the leaves were stored at 5°C or 15°C. The chlorophyll and protein degradation of detached coriander leaves during storage were significantly retarded by 1-MCP treatment. Ethylene production was significantly increased by 1-MCP treatment compared to the control. This effect was observed whether leaves stored at 5°C or 15°C, however it was very clear when leaves were stored at 15°C. 1-MCP treatment also significantly retarded the decrease of volatile oil percentage in coriander leaves during storage compared to the control. A significant increase in SOD, CAT and POX enzyme activities was observed in 1-MCP treated leaves stored at 5 or 15°C compared to the control. 1-MCP may play a role in the retention of harvest antioxidant levels of coriander leaves during storage and provided evidence to support the hypothesis that the beneficial effects of 1-MCP on leaf senescence are not exclusively limited to its effects on ethylene, but also include effects on antioxidant enzyme activity.