STM Article Repository

Effects of aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest quality of carrots were evaluated by comparing to gaseous 1-MCP and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments. After washing with tap water, carrots were distributed into 4 batches the first of which was subject to aqueous 1-MCP application, the second to gaseous 1-MCP application, the third to MAP and the fourth left non-treated as control. The carrots were put into clamshell polyethylene terephthalate containers apart from MAP-treated ones, and stored 23 ± 1°C for 10 days. During the period of storage, the carrots were assessed by tracking weight loss, firmness, color, headspace gas composition, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, carotenoid content and decays. The results indicated that gaseous 1-MCP application may have a potential for impeding postharvest quality losses by restricting decay ratios for carrots held in room temperature. Aqueous 1-MCP and MAP applications were however found to be ineffective for arresting or delaying postharvest quality losses.