Effective dosing of different 1-Methlylcyclopropene formulations to extend the shelf life of 'Hass' avocado (<i>Persea americana</i>) fruit

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of two 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) formulations (Smarttab powder and Inbox sachet) applied at various dosing ranges 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 ppm to prolong the shelf life of 'Hass' avocado. Fruits were harvested at two maturity stages based on Dry Matter (DM) content: stage 1 (20-22%) and stage 2 (25-30%). After 1-MCP treatment, the fruits were kept at ambient conditions (24 ± 1°C, 60 ± 5% RH) to ripen alongside untreated control fruits. Samples of 6 fruits per treatments batch were taken at 3-day intervals to evaluate ethylene and respiration rates, weight loss, colour change, firmness, overall shelf life, and DM content. 1-MCP treatments significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the rate of progression of ripening-related parameters. Overall, 1-MCP treatments significantly extended the shelf life of avocado fruits by 15 and 12 days, stage 1 and 2 fruits respectively. Therefore, both formulations of 1-MCP can be recommended for use in 'Hass' avocados.