Effect of 1-MCP and Temperature on the Quality of Red-fleshed Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)

Abstract

This study detailed the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on ripening and fruit quality in red-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis ) stored at 0 or 10°C for 20 days, and 20°C for 13 days. The quality of the fruit was assessed by measuring ethylene production, respiration rate, weight loss, firmness, flesh color, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA), along with a sensory evaluation. Compared to untreated kiwifruit, fruit treated with 1 μL·L-¹ 1-MCP for 24h at 20°C prior to storage showed a delay in ripening and maintained fruit quality during storage. Ethylene production and respiration rate were affected by 1-MCP treatment only in fruit stored at 20°C, where the values were markedly higher compared to kiwifruit stored at 0 and 10°C. 1-MCP treatment resulted in a clear reduction in weight loss due to a delay in fruit ripening. The firmness of kiwifruit stored at 10 and 20°C decreased significantly compared to fruit stored at 0°C, but 1-MCP treatment led to a reduction in this loss. Upon storage, SSC increased while TA decreased across all treatments. Sensory evaluation scores increased with decreasing firmness and acidity and increasing SSC. The shelf life of kiwifruit stored at 0°C was extended without any chilling injury or color changes. In summary, the results show that 1-MCP treatment can potentially maintain quality and delay ripening of red-fleshed kiwifruit stored at all storage temperatures.