Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on the postharvest life of Eksotika papaya

Papaya is a climacteric fruit, naturally fragile and cannot resist low temperature. Thus, prolonging the postharvest life of papaya fruit for long distance transportation is highly desirable to increase its commercialisation. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been widely used to delay ripening and senescence of horticultural produces. The objective of this study was to determine characteristics of 'Eksotika' papaya treated with 1-MCP and optimum concentration of 1-MCP in prolonging postharvest life of papaya. Papayas were treated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μL L‾¹ of 1-MCP for 7 days at 21˚C/90% relative humidity (RH). Then, the fruits were allowed to ripen at 26˚C/70% RH. 1-MCP did not affect L*, C*, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C and weight loss of papaya. The h o and fi rmness of papaya treated with 30 μL L‾¹ of 1-MCP showed signifi cant high values as compared to other concentrations. Similarly, visual quality evaluation also showed that fruits treated with 30 μL L‾¹ of 1-MCP retained green colour for 9 days and by day 13, no disease infection and shriveling was found in these fruits as compared to other concentrations. There is potential to prolong postharvest life of Eksotika papaya using 1-MCP. of action and is active at very low concentrations. The objective of this study was to determine characteristics of 'Eksotika' papaya after 1-MCP treatment and optimum concentration of 1-MCP in prolonging postharvest life of papaya. Materials and methods Plant materials: 'Eksotika' papayas at maturity stage 2 were obtained from Exotic Star (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. Fruits weighing 500-650 g, well-formed, uniform in size and colour, defect-and disease-free, were selected. Eight fruits were then packed into six cartons of 32 x 21 x 23 cm.