Effect of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) Pretreatment on Cold Storage of 'Granny Smith' Apples

Abstract

'Granny Smith' apples grown in the orchard of the Ataturk Central Horticultural Research Institute were treated with 1-MCP on the day of harvest and stored at 0 degrees C for 8 months. Fruits were examined monthly immediately after storage and after 10 days of 'shelf life' at 20 degrees C. 1-MCP inhibited ethylene production of apples, maintained the fruit firmness and titratable acidity during storage. 1-MCP did not affect the soluble solids contents of fruits. 1-MCP completely prevented superficial scald during storage and shelf life while untreated control fruits showed around 60% scald after 8 months of cold storage. 1-MCP also prevented other physiological storage disorder core flush in apples.