INFLUENCE OF 1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ON POSTHARVEST STORAGE OF PAKISTANI MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) VARIETIES AT DIFFERENT HARVEST MATURITY

Harvest maturity was specified for 'Langra', 'Dusehri' and 'S.B. Chaunsa' mango varieties with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application for preserving maximum postharvest quality of mango during low temperature storage (30 days). 1-MCP was applied at 0, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 nL.L-1 concentration. Ripening indices were observed of each variety at every 10th day for mature green (M1) and sprung (M2) maturity stages. Total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) decreased with the passage of time, while 1-MCP treated fruit retained higher TSS and TA during storage. Rate of respiration (mmoles CO2.kg(-1).h(-1)) increased gradually till climacteric rise occurred but less peak height was observed at M1 under 1-MCP application. Physiological weight loss (%) of 1-MCP treated fruit reduced, resultantly less wilting and skin shriveling was observed at M1. Peel color changes in control treatment was rapid (yellow color with black spots) with increased ripening index at M2 stage. Peel color of 'Langra' mango remained green among treatments, while fruit of 'Dusehri' and 'S.B. Chaunsa'when subjected to 1-MCP showed least color score (51 to 75 % yellowing) at M1 and M2, respectively. 1-MCP delayed ripening of mango fruit at low to moderately high concentration depending upon the fruit variety for 15 ( M2) to 20 days (M1). 'Langra' mango showed best response to 500 while 'Dusehri' and 'S.B. Chaunsa' varieties at 1000 nL.L-1 concentration of 1-MCP. It can be concluded that 1-MCP in combination with other postharvest strategies found effective in maintaining good keeping quality of mango when fruit harvested at mature green stage (M1).