Abstract
Maturity at harvest is a determining factor in fruit storage potential, especially in such perishable species as plums (Prunus salicina L.). However, harvest´s logistics is very complex, and a large percentage of fruits are harvested at a more advanced stage of maturity than the optimum recommended for long storage. Treatment with 1-MCP has shown to be effective in reducing the post-harvest deterioration rate of Japanese plums, but the effectiveness of this treatment may be reduced in late harvested fruit. The aim of this trial was to determine the efficiency of treatment with 0.4 µL L-1 of 1-MCP in Larry Ann plums harvested at 4 different maturity stages. The results showed that the treatment was effective in reducing the ripening rate of the fruit at all harvest timings. The duration of this effect and the number of parameters affected decreased as harvest was delayed. In maturity stage 1 (M1, ~62 N) and maturity stage 2 (M2, ~58 N), 1-MCP delayed ethylene production rate during shelf life after 30, 40, and 50 days of storage at 0 ºC and reduced loss of flesh firmness, and acidity. At the maturity stage 3 (M3, ~50N) 1-MCP delayed ethylene production rate during shelf life after 30 and 40 days of storage at 0 ºC and maintained higher flesh firmness values. In fruit harvested at the maturity 4 (M4, ~35 N), 1-MCP did not affect ethylene production rate, but reduced loss of flesh firmness during shelf life, supporting the hypothesis that the treatment has a direct inhibitory effect on softening enzymes, independent of ethylene.
Highlights
Most of the plums produced in the valleys of Río Negro and Neuquén (Argentina) are stored at low temperatures in order to extend the window of sale in the domestic market or to withstand the transport period to distant counter-market
The logistics of the harvest are complex, and part of the fruit is harvested with an advanced maturity stage
1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has shown to be effective in reducing the ethylene production rate and softening, acidity loss, and epidermis color changes in different plum cultivars(2)(3). The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the stage of maturity of the fruits at which it is applied, and it has been observed in various species that the more mature the fruit is, the lower the response to treatment with 1- MCP(4)
Summary
Most of the plums produced in the valleys of Río Negro and Neuquén (Argentina) are stored at low temperatures in order to extend the window of sale in the domestic market or to withstand the transport period to distant counter-market. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has shown to be effective in reducing the ethylene production rate and softening, acidity loss, and epidermis color changes in different plum cultivars(2)(3). The effectiveness of this treatment depends on the stage of maturity of the fruits at which it is applied, and it has been observed in various species that the more mature the fruit is, the lower the response to treatment with 1- MCP(4). The aim of this trial was to determine the efficiency of treatment with 0.4 μL L-1 of 1- MCP in Larry Ann plums harvested in four different stages of maturity
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