This research was carried out to study the effects of 1-MCP on postharvest quality preservation of kiwi 'Bruno' storage under controlled atmosphere and air. Fruits were harvested in April of 2003 and 2004. Three days after harvesting, part of the fruits was treated with 1.0 µL.L-1 of 1-MCP, while the other part remained untreated (control), and then both lots were stored under air (AA) and CA with low ethylene. The treatment with 1-MCP delayed the increase in ethylene production rate and reduced respiration of the fruit after removal from cold storage. This was associated with a delay of loss in flesh firmness and a reduction of pericarp translucent and senescent. Treatment with 1-MCP showed no significant effect on SS content. Fruit stored under AA showed high metabolism, resulting in a low storage potential, evenwhentreated with 1-MCP. The greatest benefits on postharvest quality preservation of kiwifruit 'Bruno' was achieved in fruit treated with 1-MCP and stored in CA with low ethylene.
Actinidia deliciosa; 1-MCP; controlled atmosphere; postharvest physiology; physiological disorder; flesh firmness
