Application of 1-methylciclopropene and ethylene absorption on 'Royal Gala' apple late harvested

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of the control of ethylene with 1-MCP application and its absorption in 'Royal Gala' apple fruit harvested at advanced maturity stages, during eight months of storage under controlled atmosphere (CA). The fruits were harvested with pulp firmness of 89.5N; iodine-starch ndex of 6.7; acidity of 5.06meq 100mL(-1); soluble solids content of 11.8 degrees Brix; ethylene production of 0.721 mu L C(2)H(4)kg(-1) h(-1) and respiration of 6.61 mL CO2 kg(-1) h(-1). The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and six replications. The fruits were stored at 0.5 degrees C, being evaluated at the following conditions: [1] CA with 1.2kPa O-2 + 2.5kPa CO2, [2] CA with application of 1 mu L L-1 of 1-MCP, [3] CA with application of 1 mu L L-1 1-MCP and 10 mu L L-1 of ethylene, and [4] CA with low ethylene concentration (<0.1 mu L L-1). 1-MCP did not have effect on pulp firmness in apple fruit harvested at advanced maturity stage but reduced the activity of ACC oxidase, ethylene production and respiratory activity of the fruits.