Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Chitosan on the Fruit Shelf-Life and Qualities of Two Different Ripening Stages of ‘Cavendish’ Banana

Abstract

Our previous research with chitosan leads us to conclude that 2.5% chitosan can be promptly used as a fruit coating. However, to be used as a fruit coating for climacteric fruits, the effect of ethylene trapped under chitosan coating on ripening needs to be blocked. 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is known as an anti-ethylene and it can be applied in combination with chitosan. This research which was conducted during September-October 2013 was aimed at studying the effects of 1-MCP and its combination with 2.5% chitosan in prolonging fruit shelf-life and maintaining fruit qualities of two different ripening stages of ‘Cavendish’ banana. A completely randomized design of two factors was used. The first factor was 1-MCP gassing (control and 1-MCP), and the second one was chitosan (control and 2.5% chitosan). 1-MCP gas was developed by diluting 0.5 g 1-MCP powder into 30 ml of water. The results showed that the fruits of early and late stages responded differently to treatments of chitosan, 1-MCP, and their combination. (1) At early stage, the chitosan-coated fruit showed slow color development and fruit quality deterioration, whereas at late stage, the chitosan-coating accelerated ripening by a quick decrease of fruit firmness, decrease of soluble solid content and increase of acidity. (2) In general, 1-MCP lengthened shelf-life of banana fruits by slowing fruit quality deterioration, and its effect was accentuated when applied in combination with chitosan. (3) The effect of combined application of chitosan and 1-MCP was best if it was applied at fruit yellowing stage (stage V), because at early stage (stage III) the combined application resulted in imperfect fruit color development.