Analysis of Postharvest 1-MCP Treatment and CA Storage Effects on Quality Changes of 'Fuji' Apples during Export Simulation

Abstract. Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage was analyzed for the export quality of ‘Fuji’ apples after 8-month storage. Apples were harvested from two orchards located in different regions at relatively late stage of maturity for long-term storage. Fruit were treated with 1 μL･L -1 1-MCP and then stored in 0℃ air or CA with 1.5 kPa O 2 and < 1.0 kPa CO 2 for 8 months. To simulate poststorage export process such as 2-week refrigerated container shipment plus 7-day local distribution, fruit were put in 0℃ air storage for additional two weeks and then on the shelf for 7 days at 20℃. Both the 1-MCP treatment and CA storage reduced respiration and ethylene evolution after storage and shipping simulation, and successfully maintained titratable acidity and flesh firmness even after the export process. In ‘Fuji’ apples harvested after adequate stage of maturity for long-term storage, however, 1-MCP treatment alone seemed not to be satisfactory for the maintenance of sensorial fruit texture for export market. CA storage or 1-MCP treatment/CA storage combination program should be applied for lately harvested ‘Fuji’ apples exported after eight months storage.