Evaluation of Storage Quality of Hardy Kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta): Effect of 1-MCP and Maturity Stage

Abstract

Hardy kiwifruit fits into consumer expectations, especially in terms of taste and nutritional value. The main reason for the loss of quality is that the fruit softens too quickly, but storage at low temperatures (0–1 °C) is not effective enough in maintaining high fruit quality. Two cultivars were evaluated for storage quality, i.e., ‘Geneva’ and ‘Ananasnaya’. Minikiwi were harvested at two stages of maturity. The fruit were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene at a concentration of 0.65 µL/L and then stored under common cold storage, ULO, and CA conditions. Fruit evaluation was carried out for 12 weeks, and firmness, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity were evaluated. Post-harvest treatments, as well as the conditions under which the fruit is stored, determine its quality after storage. The application of 1-MCP decisively inhibits the softening of mini kiwi even under normal atmospheric conditions.