The aim of this work was to evaluate 'Apple' banana different periods exposure effect to 50 ppb of 1-MCP (0, 3, 6, 9 and 24 hours) on its postharvest life and quality. Mature-green fruits were stored for 30 days in chambers at 13ºC + 0,5 and relative humidity 95%, after exposure to 1-MCP. Then, the bananas were stored at 20ºC + 1 until peel complete yellowing. 'Apple' banana to 50 ppb of 1-MCP exposure during 9 hours delayed in seven days the fruit ripening, comparing to fruit control, after 30 days of cool storage (13ºC), without changing its appearance and chemical composition. The exposure of 'Apple' banana to 50 ppb of 1-MCP for 3 and 6 hours did not extend its postharvest life; neither changed its chemical composition. Although the exposure of 'Apple' banana to 50 ppb of 1-MCP for 12 and 24 hours has retarded its ripening, it promoted undesirable changes in the fruit peel. So, 1-MCP application for 9 hours at 50 ppb, before cool storage, is a viable alternative to extend banana's commercialization period.
1-metylciclopropene; Musa sp.; postharvest life; quality
