Fruit quality as affected by 1-MCP treatment and DCA storage - a comparison of the two methods

Two new tools for better preservation of fruit quality have been developed in recent years, the treatment of apples with 1-MCP and dynamic controlled atmosphere storage (DCA). The effect of 1-MCP treatment and DCA on ethylene production and quality of 'Golden Delicious' apples harvested at two different ripening stages was evaluated in our study over two consecutive years. 1-MCP treatment delayed the climacteric increase of ethylene production and led to better retention of quality during RA- and ULO-storage and subsequent shelf life compared to non-treated apples. In order to achieve the optimum effect of 1-MCP, the treatment must be carried out within 7 days after harvest, as recommended by the supplier of 1-MCP. In most cases, DCA improved quality retention during storage in terms of fruit firmness and acidity compared to ULO-storage. The use of the two methods depends on the cultivars stored and conditions such as the infrastructure of the storage facility and type of handling and marketing of the apples.