Title: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) based technologies for storage and shelf life extension

Authors: Chris B. Watkins

Addresses: Department of Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA

Abstract: 1-MCP is an inhibitor of ethylene perception that can markedly affect ripening and/or senescence processes of many horticultural products. In general, 1-MCP delays ripening and senescence and reduces ethylene production, respiration, colour change and softening. Information about these effects is increasing rapidly and is available on a regularly updated website (http://www.hort.cornell.edu/mcp/). 1-MCP is registered for use on a number of horticultural products in several countries, although commercial information remains limited except for apple fruit and ornamental products. The commercial potential for 1-MCP will be affected by many factors including the product response (especially in relation to quality as perceived by the consumer), how successfully 1-MCP use can be incorporated into handling, storage and transport systems, the scale of the industry involved, competition in the marketplace, and whether it provides access to markets that are otherwise unavailable using current technologies.

Keywords: 1-MCP; 1-Methylcyclopropene; ethylene inhibition; ripening delay; senescence delay; physiological disorders; flavour; nutrition; storage life extension; shelf life extension; postharvest technology; horticultural products.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2006.009183

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2006 Vol.1 No.1, pp.62 - 68

Published online: 08 Mar 2006 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article