The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of 1-MCP application in combination with initial low oxygen stress and storage in controlled atmosphere with ultra-low oxygen on Fuji apple quality preservation. The evaluated treatments consisted of 1-MCP application (with or without 1000nL L-1) combined with five levels of the factor storage condition (without initial stress + 0.6kPa O2, 1 stress + 0.6kPa O2, 1 stress + 0.8kPa O2, 2 stresses + 0.6kPa O2 and without initial stress + 1.0kPa O2). Initial low oxygen stress was applied by 14 days at 0.2kPa O2. The fruits were stored in these conditions for eight months at -0.5±0.2°C and relative humidity of 96±1%, followed by seven days at 20±1°C. In all treatments, the CO2 was kept below 0.5kPa. The storage without initial low oxygen stress associated with 1.0kPa or 0.6kPa O2 maintained the pulp firmer and with the higher titratable acidity, moreover provided a lower incidence of decay after storage during eight months and shelf life at 20°C. The 1-MCP provided lower activity of ACC oxidase enzyme, however, did not reduces ethylene production and failed to delay the loss of firmness and the control decay. Initial stress of 14 days with 0.2kPa O2 reduced the conservation of Fuji apples.
Malus domestica; postharvest; Controlled atmosphere; quality
