EFFECT OF 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE (1-MCP) ON POSTHARVEST BEHAVIOR OF AVOCADO ‘HASS’

Abstract

In this study we evaluated the effect of 1-MCP on the postharvest behavior of ‘Hass’ avocado fruits grown in Nayarit and stored under room conditions or refrigeration. It was found that 1-MCP at 200 nL L^-1 delayed for 5 d the ripening process of ‘Hass’ fruits, indicated by the natural change in peel color from green to black under both storage conditions. Also, 1-MCP decreased weight loss in fruits stored under ambient conditions, but not in those stored under refrigeration. In both storage conditions, 1-MCP reduced flesh softening, without affecting the external appearance. In addition, 1-MCP prevented the incidence of fungal diseases and extended the shelf life by 6 d. The effect of 1-MCP was stronger in fruits stored without refrigeration, especially on peel color change and on weight and firmness losses.