The potential use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) alone or as a supplement to cold storage to delay the softening of 'Brown Turkey' figs (Ficus carica L.) was studied. Figs were treated with 0, 0.25, 0.5 or 5 µl l −1 1-MCP at 25 • C for 8 h and stored at 20 • C until evaluated. Figs treated with 0.5 or 5 µl l −1 1-MCP had higher ethylene production and respiration rates but slower softening than untreated fruit and those treated with 0.25 µl l −1 1-MCP. Early-harvested firm figs and late-harvested soft figs were untreated or treated with 0.5 or 5 µl l −1 1-MCP at 25 • C and stored at 0 • C for 19 days. Firm figs treated with 1-MCP showed an early peak in ethylene synthesis, higher respiration rate and were firmer than control fruit. In contrast, soft figs did not respond to 1-MCP except for a late increase in respiration rates of fruit treated with 5 µl l −1 1-MCP. 1-MCP appeared to have a relatively limited effect on slowing ripening of 'Brown Turkey' figs and its effect was influenced by ripening stage.