EFFECT OF 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ON ATAULFO MANGOE MATURATION UNDER SIMULATED CONDITIONS FOR EXPORT TO EUROPE

Abstract

This work evalated the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the ripening process and quality of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) var. Ataulfo stored for 20 d at 13 ºC and 5 d at 25 ºC to simulate shipping and distribution conditions in Europe. This research generated knowledge about the effect of 1-MCP on ethylene metabolism, and provided information on the conditions of application of 1-MCP on this mango variety. Fruits with and without hydrothermal treatment (CH and SH, respectively) were treated with 1-MCP (300, 600, and 1000 nL L^-1). Respiration rate (RR), ethylene production rate (EPR), content of aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), ACC oxidase activity, transcript levels (ETR1 and ACO), as well as physical and chemical variables were monitored. The highest RR was 129.12 and 129.37 mL CO₂ kg^-1 h^-1 at days 1 and 4 at 25 ºC, respectively for SH and CH control fruits; while EPR was 0.15 and 0.23 μL kg^-1 h^-1. RR decreased in fruits treated with 1-MCP (86.17 mL CO₂ kg^-1 h^-1), as well as EPR (0.13 μL kg^-1 h^-1), ACC oxidase activity and the expression of ETR1 and ACO genes, after transfer to 25 ºC (4 to 5 d). In CH fruits treated with 1-MCP these changes were not observed. SH mangoes treated with 1000 nL L^-1, maintained physical and chemical characteristics of normal ripening for 5 d at 25 ºC, and after 20 d at 13 ºC. It was concluded that 1-MCP application at 1000 nL L^-1 for 24 h at 20 ºC and posterior storage during 20 d at 13 ºC could aid in transportation of Ataulfo mangoes to distant markets where the hydrothermal treatment is not required.