EFFECT OF 1-MCP AND DIFFERENT ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ON POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF 'EŞME' QUINCE FRUIT DURING LONG TERM STORAGE

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 1-MCP and different growing regions on quality of 'Esme' quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) fruit during storage. Fruit samples were taken from Ankara (Central Anatolia region) during commercial harvest period (beginning of October) over two seasons and from Sakarya-Geyve (Marmara region) for only one season. The latter region is responsible for the highest quince production of Turkey. Immediately after harvest, fruit were treated with 0 (Control) and 625 ppb 1-MCP at 12°C under gas tight conditions for 24 hours and subsequently they were stored at 2±1°C and 85-90% RH for six moths. During the storage period, respiration rate, ethylene production, flesh firmness, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, fruit skin and flesh color, weight loss, sensory evaluation and flesh browning were observed at monthly intervals. As a result, 1-MCP mostly affected respiration rate, flesh browning and decay in fruits from both regions. Moreover, they showed higher soluble solid content and sensory evaluation value. Based on sensory characteristics and inhibition on flesh firmness, flesh browning data, pre-storage 1-MCP treatment may be a promising postharvest treatment to keep postharvest quality of 'Esme' quince fruit from both regions.