Effect of 1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) Pretreatment on Cold Storage of Kiwifruit

Abstract

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') grown in the orchard of the Ataturk Central Horticultural Research Institute in Yalova were pretreated and non-treated with 1-MCP on the day of harvest and stored at 0 degrees C for 6 months. Change in ethylene production, fruit firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids content were determined every month directly after storage and after transferring to 20 degrees C for one week to simulate marketing conditions. 1-MCP inhibited the rise in ethylene production of the kiwifruits and maintained fruit firmness during storage and shelf life. Control fruits lost their marketable quality in 4 months at 0 degrees C whereas 1-MCP treated fruits maintained their quality for 6 months.