Abstract:

The present study aimed to explore the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment at different times
after harvest on the texture of apple fruits. Changes in texture parameters of Fuji apple flesh were studied by using a texture
analyzer through texture profile analysis. The results indicated that the fracturability of apple flesh had a good positive correlation
with the hardness, cohesiveness, resilience and chewiness. The adhesiveness had a good negative correlation with
other texture parameters. The resilience had a significant correlation with chewiness and cohesiveness. The softening of
apple fruit was delayed significantly by 1-MCP treatment, but the effect was decreased with increasing time interval between
postharvest and the treatment. Apples treated with 1-MPC on 9 days after harvest had significantly worse texture. In order to
achieve better effect of 1-MCP treatment, freshly harvested fruits should be stored at room temperature for no longer than 1
week before the treatment. In conclusion, TPA test can reflect the changes of apple texture parameters during storage and is
suitable for the evaluation of apple fruit quality.

Key words: apple, 1-MCP, treatment time, texture profile analysis (TPA)