Refrigeration affects the postharvest behavior of 1-methylcyclopropene-treated cape gooseberry (<i>Physalis peruviana</i> L.) fruits with the calyx

Abstract

Cape gooseberry fruits are highly perishable with a limited shelf-life. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of refrigeration on the postharvest behavior of 1-methylcyclopropene-treated cape gooseberry fruits with the calyx. A completely randomized design with six treatments was used. The treatments were three storage temperatures (2, 6 and 16°C [ambient temperature]) and the application or absence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; 1 mL L-1). The fruits were stored for 35 days. The fruits without refrigeration lasted 21 days. During the 35 days of refrigerated storage, the fruits at 2°C with 1-MCP showed a significantly lower respiration rate, color index and total soluble solids content and a higher firmness value and total acidity. Storage at 6°C also generated a favorable effect on the postharvest preservation of cape gooseberry fruits.