Abstract
ABSTRACT The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), modified atmosphere packaging (Xtend, StePac L.A. Ltd., Tefen, Israel) and their combination were investigated on storage and quality maintenance of tomatoes cv. “Perla” harvested at two maturity stages. 1-MCP treatment was performed in 1,000 nL/L doses for 24 h while untreated fruits were considered as control. Fruits were stored at 12C with 90% relative humidity for 21 days. Weight loss, skin color, elasticity, lycopene, ascorbic acid, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and SSC/TA were evaluated with the intervals of 7 days. MAP with and without 1-MCP reduced weight loss and maintained to elasticity compared with control and 1-MCP alone. Nevertheless, 1-MCP or its combination with MAP significantly delayed changes in parameters related to fruit ripening, such as skin color, lycopene, TA and SSC/TA increase in both ripening stages. Overall results indicated that the combination of 1,000 nL/L 1-MCP and modified atmosphere package was the most effective treatment in both ripening stages. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Tomato is a climacteric fruit and its ripening depends on ethylene production physiology. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) prevents ethylene action by blocking ethylene receptors and extends the storage life of tomatoes. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of fresh fruits and vegetables refers to the still evolving technique of matching the respiration of the product with the O2 and CO2 permeability of packages in order to modify the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the atmosphere to desired levels within the package. Recent studies revealed that combined applications of 1-MCP and MAP have significant effects on maintaining storage quality of banana, litchi and plums. This study was conducted on the investigation of the effects of 1-MCP and MAP combination on storage duration and quality of tomatoes harvested at different maturity stages.
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