534 1-Methylcyclopropene Extends Shelf Life of Tomato at All Stages of Maturity

• Published in: HortScience Vol. 34; no. 3; p. 538
• Main Authors: Mir, Nazir A, Khan, Najma, Beaudry, Randolf M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.1999
• ISSN: 0018-5345; 2327-9834
• DOI: 10.21273/HORTSCI.34.3.538A

The effects of 1-MCP on ripening and shelf life in fruit of five classes of maturity (1, mature green; 2, turning; 3, half-ripe; 4, ripe; and 5, over-ripe) of `Plum' tomato ( Lycopersicon × esculentum , Mill) at 22 °C were evaluated. 1-Methylcylopropene (1-MCP) reduced the rate of red color development in fruit of all maturity classes. However, the effect was more discernable in fruit with higher hue angle value. Single application of 1-MCP delayed the color development by 10 days. While a second application of 1-MCP at day 10 delayed color development by another 10 days for mature green tomatoes, it did not influence the color change in all other classes of maturity. The effects of 1-MCP on firmness loss were similar to color development. Compared to the control, 1-MCP reduced the ripening-related rate of respiration by approximately 40%. Contrary to this, ethylene production was not affected by 1-MCP application. Potential exists to use 1-MCP in tomato to reduce ethylene-associated changes in texture and color.