Effect of Humidity-Triggered Controlled-Release 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on Postharvest Quality of Papaya Fruit

Journal Article · Fri Sep 22 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Horticulturae

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9101062· OSTI ID:2582973

Shu, Chang; Wall, Marisa; Follett, Peter; Sugimoto, Nobuko; Bai, Jinhe; Sun, Xiuxiu

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a valuable economic crop that is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions but has a short storage and shelf life. Exploring effective strategies to improve the postharvest quality of papaya is important. This study explored the effect of humidity-triggered controlled-release 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) sheets on the postharvest quality of papaya fruit. ‘Rainbow’ papayas underwent cold storage at 10 ± 0.5 °C, RH 85% ± 2% for 14 days, and then were transferred to 20 ± 0.5 °C, RH 85% ± 2% for 10 days to simulate shelf life. The 1-MCP sheets were cut into different sizes and placed in storage containers in advance to create corresponding concentrations at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 ppm. Results showed that 1-MCP treatment inhibited fruit softening, and reduced weight loss and peel color deterioration without causing any physiological disorders. The 1.0–2.0 ppm 1-MCP-treated fruit received the highest score for papaya flavor and sweetness respectively and the lowest score for off-flavor. The humidity-triggered controlled-release 1-MCP sheets are effective and convenient, and they can serve as an important tool for regulating postharvest papaya ripening with economic benefits.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0014664
• OSTI ID: 2582973
• Journal Information: Horticulturae, Journal Name: Horticulturae Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 9; ISSN 2311-7524; ISSN HORTCF
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: EN

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Agriculture