The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of the control of ethylene with 1-MCP application and its absorption in 'Royal Gala' apple fruit harvested at advanced maturity stages, during eight months of storage under controlled atmosphere (CA). The fruits were harvested with pulp firmness of 89.5N; iodine-starch índex of 6.7; acidity of 5.06meq 100mL-1; soluble solids content of 11.8°Brix; ethylene production of 0.721µL C2H4 kg-1 h-1 and respiration of 6.61mL CO2 kg-1 h-1. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and six replications. The fruits were stored at 0.5°C, being evaluated at the following conditions: [1] CA with 1.2kPa O2 + 2.5kPa CO2, [2] CA with application of 1µL L-1 of 1-MCP, [3] CA with application of 1µL L-1 1-MCP and 10µL L-1 of ethylene, and [4] CA with low ethylene concentration (<0.1µL L-1). 1-MCP did not have effect on pulp firmness in apple fruit harvested at advanced maturity stage but reduced the activity of ACC oxidase, ethylene production and respiratory activity of the fruits.
Malus domestica; postharvest; storage; quality
