1-MCP in the field

摘要

SINCE its registration in 2002, the apple industry has reaped the benefits of SmartFresh technology (1-MCP), an ethylene inhibitor compound that helps fruit maintain its fresh quality during storage. Now, it appears there may soon be a new sprayable version of 1-MCP that can be used as a harvest management tool. Named "Harvista technology" by its manufacturer, AgroFresh, the product is designed to provide growers with real-time harvest management options. Specifically, according to Welcome Sauer of AgroFresh, Harvista counteracts the effects of ethylene and fruit ripening, which allows the fruit to remain on the tree for an extra seven to 10 days. This helps the grower dictate harvest timing, which could be an extremely valuable benefit at a time when labor supplies are tighter than ever. In addition, the longer the fruit hangs on the tree, the greater the likelihood for increased fruit size.