Cantaloupe and honeydew
melon (Cucumis melo, L. reticulatus and inodorus) ripening behavior
during storage affects several parameters, such as firmness, color
and flavor. One potential tool for fresh produce post-harvest shelf
life extension is the use of SmartFresh (1-Methocyclopropane). The
compound has been applied to different plant parts showing a delay
in ethylene-induce events. However its use has not been characterized
in melon post-harvest shelf- life.
Our objective was to evaluate the effects of 1-MCP on post-harvest
quality parameters of Texas grown melons for its use on shelf life
extension.
Two cantaloupe and one honeydew melon varieties were harvested and
treated with 1-MCP (500 and 1000 ppb) at 10oC for 12 hr treatments,
melons were stored at two different temperatures, 7.5oC and 24oC.
Quality characteristics, including color, firmness, solids, aroma,
external appearance and macroscopic decay were evaluated through
time. Additionally, internal ethylene (IEC) and carbon dioxide (ICC)
concentrations were evaluated as well.
Results indicated that firmness was the only quality attribute affected
by 1-MCP treatments, delaying softening at both storage temperatures.
At 14 and 21 days of storage at 7.5oC, control honeydew fruits were
50% and 38% less firm, respectively, than thetreated fruit. Similarly,
1-MCP treated cantaloupes stored at 24oC showed a more firm texture
compared to control fruits. IEC was similar between control and
treated fruit indicating that 1-MCP did not affect ethylene production
in melons nor affected respiration.
These results would indicate that firmness is selectively affected
in melons by 1-MCP post harvest treatment while not affecting the
quality attributes. 1-MCP can be used as a toll for delaying softening
in melon fruits.
