The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and different ethylene concentrations in the storage room on f 'Laetitia' plums quality stored under controlled atmosphere. The treatments evaluated were 1-MCP application (1.0µL L-1) and ethylene (C2H4) in the concentrations <0.04µL L-1, 1.0µL L-1, and 10µL L-1 inside the CA storage (1.0kPa of O2+3.0kPa of CO2 / 0.5°C±0.1°C and 95±2% RH) of. Respiratory rates were lower in fruits treated with 1-MCP and stored at 10µL L-1 of C2H4. Fruits treated with 1-MCP showed the lowest ethylene production rates. At removal from CA storage, fruits treated with 1-MCP and stored at C2H4 concentration <0.04µL L-1 showed higher flesh firmness and fruit compression resistance and lower flesh browning incidence. After shelf life, fruits treated with 1-MCP had the highest flesh firmness. Titratable acidity was higher in fruit treated with 1-MCP and left in CA storage with <0.04µL L-1 C2H4 concentration. 1-MCP and ethylene absorption delay ripening and reduce flesh browning incidence in 'Laetitia' plums. The effects of 1-MCP persist during shelf life. However, even with the use of these technologies, flesh browning occurrence does not allow fruit storage for 60 days under de CA storage condition used.
Prunus salicina; ripening; postharvest physiology; physiological disorders
