Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the combined effects of 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) applications and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to improve the storability of two different harvest maturity stages of ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruitsduring 90 days storage at 1°C. For this purpose, 1-MCP, an ethylene action blocker was applied before MAP storage. ‘Harbiye’ persimmon fruits were stored for 90 days at 1°C and 90% relative humidity (RH) under two different MAPs after being exposed to 2 μl l^-1 1-MCP for 12 h or not exposed to 2 μl l^-1 1-MCP for 12 h (control).‘Harbiye’ fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) content, pH, titratable acidity (TA), color (H^o) value and ethylene production changes were examined through the efficacy of 1-MCP and MAP treatment. 1-MCP-treated fruits delayed two different harvest maturity, persimmon fruits flesh firmness, and combination of 1-MCP with MAPA and MAPB reduced the ethylene production rate during storage. Treatment of 1-MCP improved storability of persimmon fruits more effectively than MAP storage. However, the results indicated that additional improvement in storage could be obtained by a combination of 1-MCP treatment followed by MAP storage. 1-MCP application maintained fruit firmness more effectively in less mature fruits more effectively than in fully mature fruits.

Key words: Ethylene, harvest, maturity, modified atmosphere, persimmon, 1- methylcyclopropene (1-MCP).

Abbreviation

Abbreviations: 1-MCP, 1- Methylcyclopropene; MAP, modified atmosphere packaging; TSS, total soluble solids, TA, titratable acidity; H^O, color value.