Year 2014, Volume 60 Issue 1

Year : 2014
Volume : 60
Issue : 1
   
Authors : Yaacov PERZELAN, Sharon ALKALAI-TUVIA, Tamar WEINBERG and Elazar FALLIK
Title : 1-MCP AND MELON AFTER HARVEST: OPTIMAL APPLICATION AND THE INFLUENCE ON DIFFERENT CULTIVARS
Abstract : The ‘Galia’-type melon (Cucumis melo L., reticulates) is the most important melon produced in Israel. It is characterized by a fine, uniform and thin reticulated rind, a round shape, and green flesh. The fruit is aromatic, with a delicate taste. However, this type of melon has a relatively short shelf-life due to rapid physiological and pathological deterioration, which cause considerable economic loss. Treating ‘Galia’-type melons with 300 nl l-1 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) results in a delay of ripening during storage, and in an extended maintenance of quality during shelf-life. The effect of temperature and duration of exposure to 1-MCP during storage was evaluated for four netted melon cultivars with different climacteric characteristics. Sea transport and marketing from Israel to Europe was simulated by storing the fruit for 15 days at 5°C + 3 days at 20°C. Weight loss, firmness, sugar content (TSS), decay incidence and chilling injuries were evaluated. Applying 1-MCP at 20°C for 24 h was more effective in inhibiting ripening and preserving overall fruit quality and sensory attributes, than application at 10°C or 5°C for 24 h. 1-MCP was also more effective before fruit waxing. The effectiveness of 1-MCP on melon depends upon the climacteric characteristics of the cultivar. 1-MCP was more effective on melon cultivars with typical climacteric response such as 'Trooper', 'Melika' and Gal-96 than on 'Ori' which had a less pronounced response. We conclude that 1-MCP is most effective if applied at 20°C for 24 h before waxing.
For citation : Yaacov PERZELAN, Sharon ALKALAI-TUVIA, Tamar WEINBERG and Elazar FALLIK (2014): 1-MCP AND MELON AFTER HARVEST: OPTIMAL APPLICATION AND THE INFLUENCE ON DIFFERENT CULTIVARS. Agriculture and Forestry, Vol. 60. Issue 1: p. 5-14, Podgorica, Montenegro
Keywords : 1-MCP, melons, postharvest, shelf life
   
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