Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and polyethylene (PE) film liner treatments on the fruit quality of cold-stored 'Gamhong' apples

We evaluated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment and polyethylene (PE) film liner application on the fruit quality attributes of cold-stored 'Gamhong' apples. Flesh firmness was better retained with 1-MCP treatment than by PE film liner treatment, regardless of 1-MCP treatment time. Titratable acidity was also well-maintained during cold storage. In contrast, the soluble solids contents were not consistent during storage. The 1-MCP treatment greatly reduced the internal ethylene concentration, when compared with the control and PE film liner treatments, irrespective of the 1-MCP treatment time. The weight loss of the fruit was greatly reduced by the PE film liner treatments, as well as by the 1-MCP treatments. The fruit peel color variables were not affected by the 1-MCP or PE film liner treatments during cold storage. Nevertheless, the peel color variables were greatly different in the shaded tissue than in the sunny side during cold storage. Our results indicate that 1-MCP treatment, as well as PE film liner application, should be highly recommended for retaining the fruit quality of cold-stored 'Gamhong' apples.