The Effects of Preharvest 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Treatment on the Fruit Quality Parameters of Cold-Stored ‘Szampion’ Cultivar Apples

Abstract

Postharvest treatment by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for ‘Szampion’ cultivar apples inhibits ripening of climacteric fruit by blocking ethylene receptors, preventing ethylene from binding and eliciting its action. It is also possible to apply 1-MCP preharvest, which so far has not been studied for the ‘Szampion’ cultivar. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of preharvest 1-MCP treatment on the fruit quality parameters of cold-stored ‘Szampion’ cultivar apples in a Polish experiment. Two identical groups of apple trees (6 years, experimental orchard in Warsaw) were included, to obtain studied apples (preharvest 1-MCP treatment with HarvistaTM, 150 g/ha, 7 days before the optimum harvesting window, OHW) and control apples (1-MCP not applied). Apples for the studied group were harvested twice—on 28 September (OHW) and 24 October (delayed harvesting)—and for control group once—on 28 September, as before 24 October the majority of apples fell from trees. Afterwards, apples were stored in an Ultra Low Oxygen chamber (1.2% CO2, 1.2% O2). Apples were assessed in the preharvest period (weekly, six measurements for the studied group, and five measurements for the control group) and postharvest period (monthly, three measurements separately for each harvest time for the studied group and control group). The following parameters were assessed: internal ethylene content (IEC), firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) content, starch index, Streif index, titratable acidity (TA), and color for blush. For the preharvest period, statistically significant differences between the studied group and the control group were observed for IEC, the a* coordinate of color (p < 0.05; for apples treated with 1-MCP lower results), firmness, Streif index, TA (p < 0.05; higher results), and starch index (p < 0.05; no defined trend). For the postharvest period, statistically significant differences between the studied group and the control group were observed for apples harvested in the OHW for firmness (p < 0.05; for apples treated with 1-MCP higher results) and IEC (p < 0.05; no defined trend), while for delayed harvesting the differences were only minor. It may be concluded, that preharvest 1-MCP application makes it possible not only to obtain better results for ‘Szampion’ cultivar apples’ quality parameters, but also allows delayed harvesting without deterioration in quality.

Fruit Quality Attributes of ‘Arisoo’ and ‘Picnic’ Apples as Influenced by 1-Methylcyclopropene Concentration and Its Application Frequency during Cold Storage

“…There was no significant effect of 1-MCP, regardless of concentration and number of applications, on starch index and color properties on the sunlit sides of both cultivars. Similar to this study, the effect of 1-MCP was inconclusive on color properties and starch index in the 'Szampion' apple [36], on color properties in the 'Honggeum' apple [35], and the 'Gamhong' and 'Golden Delicious' apple [34,37]. Although ethylene mainly influences the ripening process and postharvest quality during storage, other growth regulators and their interactions with ethylene should also be considered [11].…”

Effect of Storage Conditions on Storability and Antioxidant Potential Of Pears CV. ‘Conference’

“…In this study, the application of 1-MCP was much more effective in controlling this disease than the modification of storage atmosphere. Such a positive outcome of 1-MCP treatment was observed during the storage of apples [64]. Brown rot occurred in less fruit compared to the other fungal diseases.…”

Analysis of Possibility to Apply Preharvest 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Treatment to Delay Harvesting of Red Jonaprince Apples

“…For ULO chamber gas contents of 1.2% CO 2 and 1.2% O 2 were applied, similarly to the other studies [16], and the temperature of 1 • C also conformed. The experiment was conducted in 2017 (in orchard) and in the 2017/2018 storage season (in ULO chamber), according to similar experimental procedures to the previous experiments conducted for Szampion apples [13]. In the experimental orchard, described in our previous study [13], Red Jonaprince cultivar trees (4 years of age, 3 m tall) were used.…”

“…The experiment was conducted in 2017 (in orchard) and in the 2017/2018 storage season (in ULO chamber), according to similar experimental procedures to the previous experiments conducted for Szampion apples [13]. In the experimental orchard, described in our previous study [13], Red Jonaprince cultivar trees (4 years of age, 3 m tall) were used. The weather conditions for the experimental period were also described in our previous study [13].…”

“…Among promising options to apply is the use of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) during storage (postharvest), which has been proven to delay the softening of Red Jonaprince apples [11]. However, the 1-MCP was studied in the preharvest period as a novel option to maintain the eating quality [12] and enable delayed harvesting [13]. Its application is based on the understanding of the natural apple ripening process and inhibiting it by influencing ethylene receptors and blocking them, resulting in the possibility of delaying harvesting due to counteracting ethylene binding and its delayed action [14].…”