1-methylcyclopropene retards postharvest softening of plums

'Fortune', 'Angeleno' and 'President' plums were treated with 500nl l(-1) 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at room temperature for 12 h and at low temperature for 24 h after harvest to evaluate the effectiveness of 1-MCP in extending the shelf life at 20 degreesC and storage at 0 degreesC. In a separate experiment, 'Fortune' and 'Angeleno' fruit were treated with 300 nl l(-1) 1-MCP at low temperature for 24 h. After treatment fruit were stored in air at 0 degreesC and following storage were kept at 20 degreesC. In 'Fortune', 'Angeleno' and 'President' fruit 1-MCP delayed softening and colour changes at 20 degreesC after harvest or following storage at 0 degreesC. 1-MCP had no effects on soluble solids content (SSC) and acidity, in all three cultivars. In 'Fortune' and 'Angeleno' fruit 500 nl l(-1) 1-MCR at low temperature reduced decay caused by Monilinia laxa. Furthermore, a single application of 1-MCP at room and low temperature was equally effective in delaying the loss of firmness and colour changes. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.