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

摘要

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest ripening and fruitndecay inHami melon were investigated.Melons were treated with 0, 0.1, 1, or 5 mL/Ln1-MCP at 25C for 24 h and then stored at 25C for 16 days. 1-MCP treatment significantlyninhibited respiration rate and ethylene production and delayed their climactericnrise. The treatment also significantly inhibited the decrease of firmness and thenincrease of electrolyte leakage.Moreover, treatment with 1 or 5 mL/L 1-MCP maintainednsignificantly higher total soluble solids, vitamin C and chlorophyll contents.nIn addition, 1-MCP treatment significantly delayed the incidence of fruit decay andninhibited the increase of decay index.The efficacy of 1-MCP on delaying postharvestnripening and controlling fruit decay increased with increasing concentration. Thesenresults indicate 1-MCP treatment has great potential to extend shelf-life and maintainnquality in Hami melon during distribution at ambient temperature.