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1‐MCP suppresses ethylene biosynthesis and delays softening of ‘Hami’ melon during storage at ambient temperature
Author(s) -
Li Xuewen,
Cao Shifeng,
Zheng Yonghua,
Sun Aiping
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.4514
Subject(s) - postharvest , softening , pectinase , ethylene , melon , chemistry , pectin , food science , 1 methylcyclopropene , horticulture , enzyme , biochemistry , biology , materials science , catalysis , composite material
BACKGROUND: ‘Hami’ melon is susceptible to softening during postharvest storage at ambient temperature, which enhances postharvest deterioration and limits transportation and storage. To look for a method of softening control, the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on regulating postharvest softening of ‘Hami’ melon fruit was investigated. RESULTS: 1‐MCP treatment at 1 µL L −1 significantly reduced ethylene production and maintained higher levels of fruit firmness. It also markedly inhibited the accumulation of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and maintained lower activities of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase. In addition, 1‐MCP treatment reduced the activities of fruit‐softening enzymes such as pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase, endo ‐1,4‐β‐glucanase and β‐galactosidase. CONCLUSION: 1‐MCP was effective in suppressing ethylene production and delaying fruit softening in ‘Hami’ melon by decreasing the activities of ethylene biosynthesis enzymes and inhibiting fruit‐softening enzymes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry