Application of 1-MCP does not slow down the ripening process of Mango (Mangifera indica L)

Abstract

Abstract Fruits and vegetables are perishable so that they are easily degraded and thus have a short shelf life. Some studies have been carried out intensively to extend the shelf life of fruit with the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) which is an ethylene inhibitor (indirectly) to slow down the ripening process and extend its shelf life. The benefits of using 1-MCP to delay fruit softening have also been published, however the inhibition of ripening and fruit softening by 1-MCP in mango (Mangifera indica) is very limited. 1-MCP delays fruit softening during storage by indirectly inhibiting ethylene synthesis and slowing the activity of cell wall-damaging enzymes, such as pectin methyl esterase (PME). To study the effect of 1-MCP on mango fruit quality and its shelf life, the experiment was carried out by measuring weight loss, colour, firmness, vitamin C, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and reducing sugars periodically. For all fruit samples, the pulp was chopped, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and then stored at 8°C until further use. The results showed that application of 1-MCP at room temperature did not slow down neither the senescence process nor the shelf life of mango fruit on weight loss, colour, firmness, vitamin C, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and reducing sugars parameters.