In the present work were evaluated the effects of 1-MCP on 'Royal Gala' apples stored in refrigerated air and controlled atmosphere. 'Royal Gala' apples were harvested at two ripeness stages and treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) using two concentrations 625 and 1250 nL.L-1 which were applied during 48 hours at temperature of 20 ± 2 ºC. The control fruit was only kept in air. After the treatments the apples were stored in either controlled atmosphere 2,1 to 2,3 kPa CO2, 1,8 to 2,0 kPa O2 and 95 ± 0,5 % of relative humidity for 9 months at 0 ± 0,5 ºC or in refrigerated air storage at 0,5 ± 0,5 ºC and 95 ± 0,5 % of relative humidity, for 8 months. The 1-MCP applications on apples in both storages and ripening stages reduced dramatically the ethylene production. Pulp firmness losses and titratable acidity were also significanthy higher compared to control fruit.
ethylene; postharvest; Malus domestica
