Aqueous 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) Utilization on a Non-climacteric Fruit: Cucumber

The present study aimed to evaluate a utilization of aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on a
non-climacteric fruit of cucumber, and to compare with/to gaseous 1-MCP and modified atmosphere
packaging (MAP) applications. Fruits of cucumbers (Erdemli F1) were either treated with aqueous or
gaseous 1-MCP (1 ppm), or left untreated for MAP storage or controls. The cucumbers were
afterwards put into PET clamshell containers except for MAP application and stored 23 ± 1°C for 10
days for simulating retail shelf-life conditions. The cucumbers were then tested periodically to record
changes in quality as determined by weight loss, firmness, color, gas composition (O2, CO2, and N2),
total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, chlorophyll content, and decay during the storage time.
Either aqueous or gaseous 1-MCP application had a no significant effect on weight or firmness loss.
Illustrated by peel color values measured during the storage period, there were no significant
differences among the treatments. Total soluble solids, pH or titratable acidity did not show a
significant change or variation among treatments during the storage as well. Cucumbers stored in
modified atmosphere packages showed higher chlorophyll a amount than those treated with 1-MCP.
The results of the present work indicates that neither aqueous 1-MCP application nor gaseous 1-MCP
application is effective for retaining quality loses and consequently for extending shelf life of the
cucumbers kept at 23°C.