Effect of 1-Methyl Cyclopropane and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Storage of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): Theory and Experiments

Rabia Kanwal,Zarina Yasmin,Muhammad Nadeem,Riaz Ahmad,Sobhy M Ibrahim,Muhammad A Imran,Nisar Ahmad,Yuguang Zhou,Redmond R Shamshiri,Hadeed Ashraf,Muhammad Sultan,Muhammad Asghar,Irrum Babu

doi:10.3390/su12187547

Abstract

Okra possesses a short shelf-life which limits its marketability, thereby, the present study investigates the individual and combined effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the postharvest storage life of okra. The treated/ untreated okra samples were stored at ambient (i.e., 27 °C) and low (i.e., 7 °C) temperatures for eight and 20 days, respectively. Results revealed that the 1-MCP and/or MAP treatment successfully inhibited fruit softening, reduction in mucilage viscosity, and color degradation (hue angle, ∆E, and BI) in the product resulting in a longer period of shelf-life. However, MAP with or without 1-MCP was more effective to reduce weight loss in okra stored at both ambient and cold storage conditions. Additionally, ascorbic acid and total antioxidants were also retained in 1-MCP with MAP during cold storage. The 1-MCP in combination with MAP effectively suppressed respiration rate and ethylene production for four days and eight days at 27 °C and 7 °C temperature conditions, respectively. According to the results, relatively less chilling injury stress also resulted when 1-MCP combined with MAP. The combined treatment of okra pods with 1-MCP and MAP maintained the visual quality of the product in terms of overall acceptability for four days at 20 °C and 20 days at 7 °C.

Highlights

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a highly nutritious vegetable of tropical and subtropical regions of the world [1,2], known as “Bhindi Tori” in Pakistan [3] and “ladies’ fingers” in English-speaking countries
A highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect of 1-MCP and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatment with respect to storage temperature and time was observed on weight loss of okra. 1-MCP and MAP reduced the weight loss, but the difference was found among the specimens stored at different temperatures
MAP with or without 1-MCP was more significant in reducing weight loss in samples stored at both ambient and cold storage conditions than the 1-MCP alone

Summary

Introduction

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a highly nutritious vegetable of tropical and subtropical regions of the world [1,2], known as “Bhindi Tori” in Pakistan [3] and “ladies’ fingers” in English-speaking countries. It is a rich source of fats, carbohydrates, protein, zinc, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C [4,5,6]. The fresh okra pods deteriorate rapidly after harvest due to high water loss, fruit softening, and color degradation (blackening of ridges and calyx discs) by oxidation and enzymatic activities, resulting in commercial value deletion [10]. The main causes of injuries in the pods are improper handling, and packaging and storage at ambient temperatures or even at low temperatures [12]

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Conclusion