1-methylcyclopropene prevents yellowing of rocket ethylene induced leaves

Fully expanded rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) leaves were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, SmartFresh(TM)) at a concentration of 0.5 mu l l(-1) for 4 h at 10 degrees C before storage for 10 days in air or in air with ethylene (1 mu l l(-1)). The untreated leaves stored in air showed a progressive yellowing during storage, resulting in a shelf life of about 10 days. The presence of exogenous ethylene in the storage room increased yellowing, and consequently it shortened shelf life by about 2 days. A prestorage treatment with the ethylene action inhibitor 1-MCP prevented yellowing of leaves and shortening of shelf life, which was induced by ethylene. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.