This research aimed to evaluate the effect of inhibition the ethylene biosynthesis at the pre-harvest stage, the ethylene action and the absorption from the controlled atmosphere storage room on the quality of 'Gala' apples. The experimental design was entirely randomized, with four replicates and the experimental unit composed by 25 fruits. The treatments were: (1) CA storage only (control); (2) pre-harvest application of AVG; (3) AVG + postharvest treatment with 1-MCP; (4) 1-MCP; (5) AVG + ethylene absorption during the storage period; and (6) ethylene absorption. Fruit quality was evaluated after 8 months of storage (CA; 1.2 kPa O2 + 2.5 kPa CO2 at 0°C) and after 7 days at 20°C. AVG-treated fruits showed lower ACC oxidase activity. AVG + 1-MCP and AVG + ethylene absorption decreased the ethylene production until 5 days of shelf-life and maintained higher flesh firmness. AVG-treated fruits had greener skin color, independently of the postharvest handling, showing that the change in the skin background colour is highly related to the pre-harvest ethylene production. The conclusion of this research is that the pre-harvest treatment of fruits with AVG associated with the absorption of ethylene during the storage is more efficient for controlling the ripening process in 'Gala' apples, nevertheless the application of AVG associated with postharvest application of 1-MCP is also efficient.
Malus domestica Borkh; ripening; aminoethoxyvynilglycine; 1-methylcyclopropene; ACC oxidase
