The use of aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in packaged cucumbers (Cucumis sativus l.)

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and aqueous and gaseous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments on post-harvest life and quality of cucumber. The study was conducted in the postharvest laboratory of Horticultural Department of Bingol University during 2016. 'Erdemli F1' cucumber variety obtained from a greenhouse farmer in Mersin and was used in the present study. Cucumbers were washed with tap water prior to the experiment, and distributed into four lots: the first one was for the control, the second one for MAP, the third one for aqueous 1-MCP and the fourth one for gaseous 1-MCP applications and stored at 23 ± 1 °C for 10 days. For the MAP application, a LPDE-type packaging material was used and for 1-MCP application, Sensy Fresh powder (active ingredient 3.3. % 1-MCP; Agrobest, Izmir) was used. After treatments control, aqueous 1-MCP and gaseous 1-MCP-treated fruits were placed into the PET boxes. Samples of fruits were then tested periodically to note the changes in quality as determined by visual observation, weight loss, firmness, color, gas composition (O2, CO2, and N2), SSC, PH, titratable acidity (TA), chlorophyll content, and decay during the storage time. The overall results indicated that neither gaseous nor aqueous 1-MCP application extent shelf life of cucumbers stored at 23 ± 1 °C for 10 days. MAP application was however found to be having adverse effects on the shelf life of cucumbers.