Abstract:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on postharvest gray mold
in “Red Fuji” apples and the mechanism of induced resistance during low-temperature storage at (0 ± 1) ℃. The results
indicated that disease incidence and lesion diameter in apples after the inoculation were significantly reduced by 1 μL/L
1-MCP treatment when compared to control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL),
polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxldase (POD), β-1,3-glucanase (GLU) and chitinase (CHI) of apple fruits were promoted
remarkably by 1-MCP treatment. The contents of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and lignin were also increased
significantly. Besides, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased by 1-MCP treatment. The results provide a
theoretical basis for the use of 1-MCP as a control agent against apple postharvest diseases.

Key words: apple, 1-MCP, low-temperature storage, gray mold, resistance