The use of aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in packaged carrots (Daucus carota l.)

The aim of this study was to prolong the postharvest shelf life and maintain the quality and by using aqueous and gaseous 1-methylcylopropene (1-MCP), and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments. This work was carried out in the Bingöl University laboratory in the 2016. 'Nantes' carrot cultivar obtained from Kırıkhan, Hatay was employed in the present study. Carrots 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 carrots 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 results indicated that gaseous 1-MCP application has a potential extend postharvest shelf life of carrot especially by suppressing decay ratios. Aqueous 1-MCP was however ineffective on either prolonging or extending shelf life of the treated carrots. MAP application accelerated both water and water loss thus had an adverse effect on the quality and shelf life.