1-Methylcyclopropene influences biochemical attributes and fruit softening enzymes of 'Santa Rosa' Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.).

摘要

Postharvest life of plum is only 3-4 days, and to make it available for longer period in the market, studies were conducted with the use of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) at two maturity stages (climacteric and pre-climacteric) of "Santa Rosa" plums i.e.,. plums were treated with 1-MCP (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mul l--1 and 1/₄ Celfresh tablet) for 24 h at 20 degrees C. After packaging the treated and untreated plums in CFB boxes, these were transported to Delhi, and stored at super market conditions. During storage observations on biochemical attributes and fruit softening enzymes were recorded at 3 day's interval. Our results revealed that all parameters of plums were significantly influenced by maturity stage, and 1-MCP treatment. All 1-MCP treatments have maintained significantly higher levels of phenols, AOX (Antioxidants), anthocyanin content, and delayed fruit ripening and softening by interfering with fruit softening enzymes like PG (Polygalacturonase) and PME (Pectin methyl esterase). In general, fruits of climacteric stage have higher levels of phenolic and anthocyanin contents and AOX activity than plums of pre-climacteric stage. The activities of fruit softening enzymes like PG and PME were significantly influenced by all concentrations of 1-MCP, but the best inhibition was observed in Celfresh treated plums. Thus, Celfresh tablet can be used for extending the marketability of "Santa Rosa" plums for about 6 days. copyright Society for Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 2011.