CFD based analysis of the 3D spatial and temporal distribution of 1-methylcyclopropene in apple fruit storage.

摘要

CFD models were used to investigate 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application to apple fruit stored in different bin materials. Cases included in the study are high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bins, HDPE plastic bins with plastic sheet covering and wooden bins of slightly-weathered oak. Experiments were conducted for validation of the models. The amount of 1-MCP adsorbed by fruits was similar in HDPE plastic bins and wooden bins, using a dose of 1 micro l L-1. The presence of wood significantly reduced the 1-MCP remaining inside the container. Simulation at reduced dosage indicated lower adsorbed 1-MCP in fruits in wooden bins than fruits in HDPE plastic bins. The relative proportion of wood or other 1-MCP adsorbing agents (other than fruits) in commercial storage rooms for apple is generally smaller than in this experiment and if 1-MCP levels are near the maximum rate recommended (1 micro l L-1), it can be concluded that the scavenging effect may not create a serious concern.