Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment on Quality Properties of Japanese Plum Fruit (Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. 'Angeleno') During Cold Storage

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere (MAP) packaging on quality properties of plum (Prunus salicina Lindl. cv. 'Angeleno') during cold storage. The study comprised of six different applications as: (a) Control (b) 1-MCP, (c) MAP1, (d) MAP2, (e) 1-MCP + MAP1 and (f) 1-MCP + MAP2. 1-MCP was applied at the dose of 625 ppb at 2 +/- 0.5 degrees C for 24 h. The plum fruit were then stored at 90% relative humidity at 0 +/- 0.5 degrees C for 60 days. Samples were taken at 20-day intervals and kept an additional 2 days under shelf-life conditions to carry out measurements and analyses. In MAP treatments, the weight loss was significantly reduced during cold storage of plum fruits. Changes in fruit flesh firmness, color and overall appearance during storage were more limited in plums packed in MAP and receiving 1-MCP treatment. The respiration rate, ethylene production and decay rate were lower in MAP packages or 1-MCP treatments than in control fruits. The results show that 'Angeleno' plum fruit can be stored successfully for 120 + 2 days when packed in MAP after 1-MCP treatment.