Influence of storage technology and 1-methylcyclopropene on postharvest behavior of 'Ankara' pear

This study was carried out in order to gain a better understanding of the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1 -MCP) and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on the quality of 'Ankara' pears after 210 days of cold storage at 0 degrees C plus 14 days of shelf life at 20 degrees C. Fruits were harvested at commercial harvest time (flesh firmness of 75-80 N, soluble solids content of 14%-16%) and stored in regular air (RA) or CA storage (3% O2 + 1.5% CO2) after treatment with or without 1 -MCP (300 nL L-1). Ripening was delayed by 1 -MCP treatment and CA storage as evidenced by lower ethylene production, respiration rate, fermentative products, and sensory evaluation scores and slower softening compared to fruits stored in RA. 1 -MCP and CA also affected the amounts of sucrose and glucose, but not the fructose contents of the fruits. The results show that the positive effects of 1 -MCP and CA storage for 'Ankara' pear fruits are individual, especially regarding quality parameters. This could be taken into account with the commercial use of these promising postharvest technologies for 'Ankara' pears.