1-Butanol applied to 'Maxi Gala' apples during postharvest shelf life and after dynamic controlled atmosphere: Effects on metabolism and quality

The effect of different doses of 1-butanol vapor was evaluated on the overall quality and metabolism of 'Maxi Gala' apples during 14 d of shelf life at 20 degrees C, both immediately after harvest (before storage; BS) and after 7.5 months of storage (AS) in a dynamic controlled atmosphere. In BS and AS experiments, 'Maxi Gala' apples were submitted to the following treatments: without 1-butanol application; application of 80, and 160 mg L- 1 of 1butanol vapor in the fruit headspace, kept for 24 h at 20 degrees C in 24 L hermetic chambers. The metabolism and quality were evaluated at 1, 7, and 14 d of shelf life. In the BS experiment, 1-butanol vapor at 160 mg L- 1 reduced ACC oxidase activity and ethylene production, thereby preserving firmness and maintaining a favorable balance of total soluble solids, acidity, and juiciness over 14 d. These effects resulted in a higher number of healthy and firmer fruit compared with the control treatment. In the AS experiment, 1-butanol vapor at both 80 and 160 mg L- 1 maintained firmness and overall healthy fruit incidence during shelf life. Initially, 1-butanol was accumulated in the fruit but it was progressively metabolized over time. Butyl acetate was the predominant metabolic byproduct, suggesting its potential role in the metabolization of 1-butanol within the fruit. Overall, the application of 1-butanol vapor, either immediately after harvest or following long-term storage, showed potential for preserving fruit quality and extending the postharvest life of 'Maxi Gala' apples under the specific conditions of this study.