1-Methylcyclopropene delays postharvest ripening and reduces decay in Hami melon
2011
Li, X.W. | Jin, P. | Wang, J. | Zhu, X. | Yang, H.Y. | Zheng, Y.H.
The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest ripening and fruit decay in Hami melon were investigated. Melons were treated with 0, 0.1, 1, or 5 µL/L 1-MCP at 25C for 24 h and then stored at 25C for 16 days. 1-MCP treatment significantly inhibited respiration rate and ethylene production and delayed their climacteric rise. The treatment also significantly inhibited the decrease of firmness and the increase of electrolyte leakage. Moreover, treatment with 1 or 5 µL/L 1-MCP maintained significantly higher total soluble solids, vitamin C and chlorophyll contents. In addition, 1-MCP treatment significantly delayed the incidence of fruit decay and inhibited the increase of decay index. The efficacy of 1-MCP on delaying postharvest ripening and controlling fruit decay increased with increasing concentration. These results indicate 1-MCP treatment has great potential to extend shelf-life and maintain quality in Hami melon during distribution at ambient temperature. Practical Applications: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been commercially used to delay postharvest ripening and extend the storage life on some climacteric fruits. Hami melon has a very short shelf-life mainly due to fruit ripening and decay, which causes significant economic losses. In this study, a postharvest application of 1-MCP significantly delayed ripening and reduced fruit decay while maintaining overall quality during storage at 25C. The results will allow long-distance transportation and marketing of Hami melon and benefit growers, shippers and distributors of this melon fruit.
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