Postharvest Application Of 1-MCP Research Articles

Apple Quality during Shelf-Life after Long-Term Storage and Simulated Transport

With the high production of apples in Poland, the priority actions include increasing their export volume. The main objective of the presented research was to maintain sufficient firmness in the apple cultivar Gala Schniga® SchniCo Red(s) transported to distant markets immediately after harvest or after long-term storage under ULO conditions (1.2% CO2 and 1.2% O2). In the study conducted during the 2021/2022 storage season on apples from the experimental orchard of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW-WULS; Warsaw-52°14′ N, 21°1′ E), the effect of the pre- and post-harvest application of 1-MCP, harvest date, and simulated transport duration on the quality of apples in target retail trading conditions was evaluated. Apples collected on a given harvest date were divided into four samples: control (without the use of 1-MCP), Harvista™-sprayed, SmartFresh™-treated, and Harvista™-sprayed + SmartFresh™-treated. Immediately after harvest and after 9 months of storage, the apples were packed in boxes and stored at 1 °C for 6 and 8 weeks (simulated transport conditions). Directly after the simulated transport and after an additional 7 and 14 days at 25 °C (handling conditions in hot countries), the following parameters were determined: firmness, SSC, TA, and ethylene production. The study noted a significant effect of the use of 1-MCP, harvest time, and simulated transport period on all tested parameters. Apples from trees sprayed with Harvista™ maintained a firmness of >55 N for 14 days of shelf-life only if they were harvested at the optimal date and transported immediately after harvest, and if their shipping lasted 6 weeks. Such firmness could be preserved after 8 weeks of the transport of SmartFresh™-treated apples harvested at the optimal date, and of Harvista™-sprayed + SmartFresh™-treated apples harvested at a delayed date. In the latter combination, apples also maintained the desired firmness after 9 months of storage + 6 weeks of transport regardless of the harvest date.

Comparative Analyses of Ripening, Texture Properties and Cell Wall Composition in Three Tropical Fruits Treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene during Cold Storage

Regulation of fruit ripening is one of the most important topics in postharvest storage. Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) greatly depend on the responsiveness of fruit cultivar to this molecule. Although 1-MCP has been used in postharvest preservation of many fruit species, its effects on ripening process, including ethylene production, and softening of banana, mango, and papaya are still not very clear. In the present study, we comparatively investigated the effects of 1-MCP fumigation treatment (1 μL L−1 for 20 h) on ripening behavior and texture qualities of the three fruits during storage at 15 °C. Results showed that 1-MCP treatment not only suppressed the production but also delayed the peak points of ethylene in banana and mango. However, it only significantly delayed the emergence of peak, but didn’t suppress the production of ethylene in papaya. Meanwhile, 1-MCP treated papayas showed the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) content, cell membrane permeability (CMP) and activities of polygalacturonase (PG) and cellulose (CX), accompanied by the highest firmness and protopectin content. Furthermore, 1-MCP treatment slowed down the changes of pulp cell structure in three kinds of fruit. Thus, the findings suggest that postharvest application of 1-MCP has potential in banana and mango fruits due to both prolonging storage-life and ensuring the texture quality, whereas it is not suitable for papaya fruit because of the abnormal softening and the poor texture.

Effect of Preharvest and Postharvest Application of 1-MCP on the Quality of Gala Schniga® SchniCo Red(s) Apples during Long-Term Storage

Fruit growers are looking for effective solutions to preserve the high quality of apples after storage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of pre- and postharvest use of 1-MCP on the quality of ‘Gala Schniga® SchniCo Red(s)’ apples harvested at the optimal harvest date and at a delayed harvest date and stored for 9 months under conditions similar to DCA (0.6% CO2 and 0.6% O2). Four treatments: control (1-MCP untreated), 1-MCP treated 7 days before harvest (Harvista™), 1-MCP treated 7 days after harvest (Smart-Fresh™), and 1-MCP treated before and after harvest (Harvista™ + SmartFresh™) were used, respectively, for each of the above harvest dates. After 5, 7, and 9 months of storage and after an additional 7-day shelf-life period, the following properties were determined: flesh firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and ethylene production rate. The harvest date and the 1-MCP application date affected ethylene production rate which was reflected in fruit flesh firmness and acidity (p < 0.05). Apples collected at the optimal harvest date from trees sprayed with Harvista™ before harvest retained high firmness (>55 N) after 7 days of shelf-storage at 20 °C, even if previously stored for 9 months. Apples collected later showed firmness similar to the best preferred by consumers only if treated with 1-MCP after harvest.

The Efficacies of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Chitosan Nanoparticles in Preserving the Postharvest Quality of Damask Rose and Their Underlying Biochemical and Physiological Mechanisms.

Simple SummaryDamask rose is one of the most important aromatic plants that is being used in the perfume, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, the short blooming period leads to a reduced oil quantity and quality; therefore, preserving the flower shelf life is a crucial step in maintaining the economic viability of this crop. This research aimed to study the effect of 400 mg m−3 of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and either the pre- or postharvest application of 1% chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) on maintaining the quality of damask rose flowers during storage at 4 or 20 °C. The results showed that both treatments were shown to help preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of damask rose. CSNPs were more effective than 1-MCP. Collectively, 1-MCP or CSNPs as eco-friendly applications are recommended as novel and promising approaches for the commercial industry for retaining the quality of damask rose during storage.Preserving the flower shelf life of damask rose is a crucial matter in promoting its economic viability. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) may potentially decrease the postharvest loss of several horticultural commodities, but no findings on damask rose have been published. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the effect of 1-MCP (400 mg m−3) and either the pre- or postharvest application of CSNPs (1%) on maintaining the quality of damask rose flowers during storage at 4 or 20 °C. The shelf life of damask rose has been significantly extended, along with a reduction in weight loss due to 1-MCP, CSNPs and pre-CSNP treatments. 1-MCP or CSNP applications have resulted in a higher relative water content, volatile oil, total anthocyanins, total carotenoids, total phenolics and antioxidant activity. Ethylene evolution, H2O2 generation and malondialdehyde content were significantly decreased due to 1-MCP or CSNPs treatment, and hence, the cell membrane functions have been maintained. The 1-MCP or CSNP-treated flowers have shown higher activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase and lower activities of polyphenol oxidase and lipoxygenase in comparison to untreated flowers. Our results showed that the postharvest application of 1-MCP or CSNPs is a very promising method to maintain the postharvest quality of damask rose during storage.

Differential effects of postharvest application of ethylene inhibitors on guava stored under ambient conditions

Aim: To assess the efficiency of ethylene synthesis and action inhibitors on postharvest shelf life of guava fruits under ambient conditions. Methodology: Mature green guava fruits (P. guajava L. cv. Arka Mridula) were harvested and treated with ethylene inhibitors. Various physiological, physical and nutritional changes of the treated fruits in comparison with untreated ones were monitored during ambient temperature storage. Multivariate analysis approach was used for interpreting the data on quality changes during storage. Results: Significant positive correlation (p<0.01) was observed among rates of ethylene production, respiration, ripening and Hunter’s a* value. Biplot from principal component analysis of eleven parameters showed that 1-MCP (500 ppb) treated fruits were grouped together with freshly harvested fruits throughout storage period, and proved superior over other treatments in delaying ripening and quality maintenance. Seven days stored 3.0 mM Salicylic acid and 1.5 mM Sodium nitroprusside treated fruits were grouped together with 5 days stored control fruits, suggesting their effectiveness in extending the shelf life by additional two days. Interpretation: Postharvest application of 1-MCP on guava fruits can extend the shelf life by four days when compared with control. Even PCA indicated that the study of major ripening attributes (L*, a*, b*, Hue, texture, acidity, ethylene rate and respiration rate) was quite sufficient to know the ripening status of the fruits.

Postharvest application of 1-MCP and ethylene influences fruit softening and quality of ‘Arctic Pride’ nectarine at ambient conditions

Fruit softening in nectarine is a limiting factor for their extended postharvest life with best quality. Effects of postharvest exogenous applications of 1-MCP (1 µL L -1 ), ethylene (10 µL L -1 ) or 1-MCP (1 µL L -1 ) followed by ethylene (10 µL L -1 ) for 12 h on ‘Arctic Pride’ nectarine were investigated for changes in fruit softening and quality during ripening at ambient temperature (20 ± 1 o C; 6065% RH). Untreated fruit were kept as control and stored at the same conditions i.e. 20 ± 1 o C; 60-65% RH. 1-MCP application significantly reduced ethylene production and activities of fruit softening enzymes, including pectin esterase (PE), endo-1,4-βglucanase (EGase), endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG), exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) as compared to ethylene treatment or control. A significant reduction in fruit weight loss, fruit softening, total sugars and organic acids was also observed with the application of 1-MCP, as compared to ethylene-treated or control fruit. Exogenous application of 1-MCP maintained individual sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and organic acids (malic, shikimic, succinic, and citric acid) at higher levels and delayed ripening of nectarine fruit, as compared to ethylene or untreated fruit during ripening. In conclusion, 1-MCP application delayed fruit ripening by inhibiting ethylene production and the activities of fruit softening enzymes and maintained the quality of nectarine fruit as compared to ethylene-treated or control fruit during ripening.

1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE DELAYS POSTHARVEST RIPENING AND REDUCES DECAY IN HAMI MELON

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest ripening and fruit decay in Hami melon were investigated. Melons were treated with 0, 0.1, 1, or 5 µL/L 1-MCP at 25C for 24 h and then stored at 25C for 16 days. 1-MCP treatment significantly inhibited respiration rate and ethylene production and delayed their climacteric rise. The treatment also significantly inhibited the decrease of firmness and the increase of electrolyte leakage. Moreover, treatment with 1 or 5 µL/L 1-MCP maintained significantly higher total soluble solids, vitamin C and chlorophyll contents. In addition, 1-MCP treatment significantly delayed the incidence of fruit decay and inhibited the increase of decay index. The efficacy of 1-MCP on delaying postharvest ripening and controlling fruit decay increased with increasing concentration. These results indicate 1-MCP treatment has great potential to extend shelf-life and maintain quality in Hami melon during distribution at ambient temperature. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been commercially used to delay postharvest ripening and extend the storage life on some climacteric fruits. Hami melon has a very short shelf-life mainly due to fruit ripening and decay, which causes significant economic losses. In this study, a postharvest application of 1-MCP significantly delayed ripening and reduced fruit decay while maintaining overall quality during storage at 25C. The results will allow long-distance transportation and marketing of Hami melon and benefit growers, shippers and distributors of this melon fruit.

Qualidade da maçã "Gala" armazenada em atmosfera controlada associada à absorção e ao controle da síntese e da ação do etileno

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito da inibição da biossíntese de etileno no período pré-colheita e o efeito da inibição da ação ou da absorção do etileno durante o armazenamento em atmosfera controlada (AC; 1,2kPa de O2 + 2,5kPa de CO2 a 0°C) sobre a qualidade de maçãs cv. "Gala". Além disso, avaliou-se também o efeito combinado desses tratamentos. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: (1) armazenamento em AC (controle); (2) aplicação pré-colheita de AVG; (3) AVG + aplicação pós-colheita de 1-MCP; (4) aplicação de 1-MCP; (5) AVG + absorção do etileno durante todo o período de armazenamento; e (6) absorção de etileno. Após oito meses de armazenamento mais sete dias a 20°C, os frutos tratados com AVG apresentaram menor atividade da ACC oxidase. A combinação de AVG + 1-MCP ou AVG + absorção de etileno mantiveram menor produção de etileno até cinco dias de vida de prateleira a 20°C. Além disso, a firmeza da polpa dos frutos submetidos a esses tratamentos combinados manteve-se mais elevada. A cor de fundo da epiderme manteve-se mais verde nos frutos tratados com AVG, independente do tratamento em pós-colheita, demonstrando que a modificação da coloração da epiderme é mais afetada pelo etileno produzido ainda na pré-colheita. Portanto, conclui-se que a aplicação em pré-colheita de AVG associada com a absorção do etileno durante o armazenamento é mais eficiente no controle da maturação de maçãs "Gala", no entanto, a aplicação pré-colheita de AVG combinada com a aplicação pós-colheita de 1-MCP também é eficiente.

Ethylene regulation of fruit softening and cell wall disassembly in Charentais melon

Cell wall disassembly in ripening fruit is highly complex, involving the dismantling of multiple polysaccharide networks by diverse families of wall-modifying proteins. While it has been reported in several species that multiple members of each such family are expressed in the same fruit tissue, it is not clear whether this reflects functional redundancy, with protein isozymes from a single enzyme class performing similar roles and contributing equally to wall degradation, or whether they have discrete functions, with some isoforms playing a predominant role. Experiments reported here sought to distinguish between cell wall-related processes in ripening melon that were softening-associated and softening-independent. Cell wall polysaccharide depolymerization and the expression of wall metabolism-related genes were examined in transgenic melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis Naud.) fruit with suppressed expression of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) gene and fruits treated with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Softening was completely inhibited in the transgenic fruit but was restored by treatment with exogenous ethylene. Moreover, post-harvest application of 1-MCP after the onset of ripening completely halted subsequent softening, suggesting that melon fruit softening is ethylene-dependent. Size exclusion chromatography of cell wall polysaccharides, from the transgenic fruits, with or without exogenous ethylene, indicated that the depolymerization of both pectins and xyloglucans was also ethylene dependent. However, northern analyses of a diverse range of cell wall-related genes, including those for polygalacturonases, xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases, expansin, and beta-galactosidases, identified specific genes within single families that could be categorized as ethylene-dependent, ethylene-independent, or partially ethylene-dependent. These results support the hypothesis that while individual cell wall-modifying proteins from each family contribute to cell wall disassembly that accompanies fruit softening, other closely related family members are regulated in an ethylene-independent manner and apparently do not directly participate in fruit softening.

Sprayable 1-MCP Effects on Maturity and Quality of Apple Fruit at Harvest and After Storage: The New York Experience

A sprayable formulation of 1-MCP (250 μL·L-1) and 1% oil adjuvant was applied to `McIntosh' and `Empire' apple trees 24, 14, and 7 days prior to anticipated optimum harvest dates (early, mid-, and late-spray timings, respectively), and fruit harvested sequentially over 2 to 3 weeks from this date. At harvest, internal ethylene concentrations (IEC), percentage of blush, starch indices, firmness, and soluble solids concentration (SSC) were measured, as well as ethylene production of fruit maintained for 7 days at 20 °C. Additional fruit were stored in air (0.5 °C) with or without postharvest 1-MCP treatment. Preharvest drop of `McIntosh' apples was also measured. Quality of these fruit was assessed at intervals for up to 4.5 months (`McIntosh') or 6 months (`Empire'). All spray timing resulted in marked delays of preharvest drop. For both cultivars, increases of IEC were inhibited or delayed by sprayable 1-MCP treatment, but effects on other maturity and quality factors were small. Ethylene production of treated fruit was lower than that of untreated fruit. The effects of sprayable 1-MCP on IEC and firmness were maintained during storage, but the longetivity of these effects was affected by cultivar, spray timing, and storage period. Postharvest application of 1-MCP further inhibited IEC and maintained firmness of the fruit during storage. These experiments show that sprayable 1-MCP may be a valuable tool to manipulate both pre- and postharvest responses of apple fruit. However, with the formulation used in these experiments, phytotoxicity, primarily as damage around lenticel areas, was observed at harvest indicating that further development of the formulation is necessary for industry use.

Expression of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Synthase and 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Oxidase Genes during Ripening in ‘Rendaiji’ Persimmon Fruit

‘Rendaiji’ persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is a pollination variant astringent type persimmon that is characterized by low levels of the ethylene production rate during ripening. However, a serious problem in postharvest handling is that mature fruits soften quite rapidly accompanied with increased ethylene production after treatments to remove astringency. In this study, we investigated changes in ethylene biosynthesis, by following the accumulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and 1-(malonylamino)-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (MACC), as well as ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO) activities and the expression of their respective genes in relation to the process and mechanism of fruit ripening. The response by persimmon fruits to 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments during postharvest ripening was also studied. Ripening was accompanied by relatively low levels of the ethylene production rate, concomitant with a decrease in firmness, especially after exposure to a deastringency treatment by using ethanol vapor. Postharvest application of 1-MCP, on the other hand, did not suppress ethylene production rates to the expected level, but it lowered the accumulation of ACC and the activities of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase. However, the degree of inhibition was higher in ACC synthase, which would imply that the step catalyzed by this enzyme is more subject to regulation by ethylene in this fruit. Comparing gene expression patterns in control and 1-MCP treated fruit by using quantitative RT (Real-Time)-PCR showed that ethylene biosynthesis associated with rapid ripening in ‘Rendaiji’ was accompanied by the expression of DK-ACS1, DK-ACS2, DK-ACO1, and DK-ACO2 genes. The expression of DK-ACS3, however, was not induced.

1-Methylcyclopropene delays tomato fruit ripening

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruits, cv. Santa Clara, were harvested at the breaker stage from commercial fields in Brazlândia, Brazil, to investigate the ability of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to retard tomato fruit ripening. Fruit without external blemishes were graded for size (diameter = 80±5 mm) and mass (m = 130±10 g), placed inside hermetically sealed boxes, and 1-MCP was applied for 12 hours (T = 22±1°C; RH = 80-85%) at four different concentrations: 0 (control), 250, 500 and 1000 mL.L-1. Fruits were held at ambient conditions (T = 23±2°C; RH 80-85%) for 2 days and then stored inside a cold room (T = 20±1°C; RH = 85-95%). Every 3 days, during a 15-day period, fruits were analyzed for firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, external color, and total carotenoids. Firmness of fruit treated with 1000 mL.L-1 was about 88% higher than control fruits after 17 days. The a*/b* ratio, an indicator of skin color, for fruit treated with 1000 mL.L-1 of 1-MCP was 38% lower than control fruits at the end of the storage period. Treatments with higher concentrations of 1-MCP delayed total carotenoids synthesis and color development. Control fruits stored for 17 days had about 190% more total carotenoids than fruits treated with 1000 mL.L-1 of 1-MCP. Postharvest application of 1-MCP was an efficient method to delay tomato fruit ripening. As 1-MCP concentration increased, ripening was further delayed. Tomatoes treated with 250, 500, and 1000 mL.L-1 of 1-MCP were delayed by 8 to 11, 11 to 13 and 15 to 17 days, respectively.