Abstract:

As a kind of safe and economical novel inhibitor of ethylene receptors, structural analogues of 1-substituted
cyclopropene can effectively inhibit the response of plants to endogenous or exogenous ethylene by binding irreversibly
to ethylene receptors and in turn extend the shelf life of harvested fruits, which exhibits a great potential for horticultural
applications. This article reviews the most important aspects of cyclopropenes (CPs) involved in possible mechanisms to
counteract ethylene action, factors that affect the counteractive effects, and the influence of CPs on postharvest physiology
and fruit quality. Future prospects for the application of CPs are discussed as well. We hope that this review could provide
useful references for developing and applying potent ethylene inhibitors in future agricultural practice.

Key words: cyclopropenes, ethylene, 1-methylecyclopropene, storage, postharvest physiology