Effects of Preharvest and Postharvest 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatments on Fruit Quality Attributes and Cell Wall Metabolism during Short-term Cold Storage in 'HetsalHaunkeybee' Peaches

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of preharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; Harvista (TM)) or postharvest 1-MCP (SmartFresh (TM)) treatments on the physiological and biochemical responses of fruit quality attributes and enzymatic activities of cell wall hydrolases of 'HetsalHaunkeybee' peaches. The fruit were treated with either Harvista (TM) via spraying 1 week before the harvest (preharvest treatment), or SmartFresh (TM) via fumigation immediately after the harvest (postharvest treatment). Then, fruits were stored at 10 degrees C for up to 12 days. Flesh firmness of the fruit was significantly enhanced by postharvest treatment with SmartFresh (TM), but not by the preharvest treatment with Harvista (TM) Neither Harvista (TM) nor SmartFresh (TM) altered the soluble solids content, titratable acidity, or the peel color variables during cold storage. However, the SmartFresh (TM) treatment significantly reduced the enzymatic activities of alpha-galactosidase, beta-galactosidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-arabinosidase, beta-xylosidase, and alpha-mannosidase during cold storage, compared to the untreated fruit and the Harvista (TM)-treated fruit. Overall, the results suggest that postharvest SmartFresh (TM) treatment should be an effective method for peach fruit storage, and it enhances fruit quality by reducing the enzymatic activities related to cell wall hydrolysis and softening.