Combined effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment and MA packaging on quality of stored apples.

摘要

The effects of 1-MCP on Bramley's Seedling apples (Malus x domestica) stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) were examined. Half of the apples were treated with 626 ppb 1-MCP for 24 h at 20 degrees C after harvest. Apples treated with 1-MCP and untreated fruits were packed in MAP films with different permeabilities or left unpackaged and held in air at 3 degrees C, or in CA stores (8-10% CO₂, 13-11% O₂, 95% RH at 3.5-4.5 degrees C). Every 14 days, for up to 32 weeks, fruit were removed and examined for colour, weight loss, flesh firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids, tannins, internal C₂H₄, CO₂ and O₂. 1-MCP-treated fruit in the best MA packaging held at 3 degrees C remained firm and crisp, retaining their characteristic acid flavour, with non-greasy green skin through 28 weeks. After storage 1-MCP treated fruit were significantly firmer than untreated fruit in packaging, while unpackaged treated and control fruit were less firm. Titratable acidity was significantly higher in 1-MCP treated fruit from all treatments; however, there were no significant effects on soluble solids, or tannins. Weight loss and ethylene concentrations were consistently higher in control than in treated fruit. 1-MCP had positive effects on quality and storage life of Bramley's Seedling apples in MA packaging, resulting in treated packaged fruit at 3 degrees C being superior to CA stored fruit after 20 weeks.