The effect of l-MCP prestorage treatment was studied during short, medium and long term cold storage with subsequent exposures at 20 degrees C (shelf-life) on ethylene and CO2 production, softening, soluble solids contents, titratable acidity, color and decay of 'Hayward' kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson). Application of l-MCP suppressed or decreased ethylene production during shelf-life at all storage periods. Also. l-MCP reduced CO2 production during shelf-life after medium and long term cold storage. Application of l-MCP significantly delayed the softening of kiwifruit at 20 degrees C for 14 days, after short and medium term cold storage, with no affect during shelf-life after long term cold storage. l-MCP did not affect soluble solids contents, and during shelf-life after short and medium term cold storage, titratable acidity was higher for I-MCP treated fruit. I-MCP also delayed decay development caused by Botrytis cinerea and changes in the flesh color parameters lightness and chroma during shelf-life. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.