A comprehensive study of factors affecting postharvest disorder development in celery

Fresh-cut celery is an economically important crop, susceptible to postharvest disorders such as browning at cut ends, which can compromise quality and affect freshness perception. The study herein represents the most comprehensive attempt date determine factors that mediate uncover physiological biochemical mechanisms involved. Three main experiments were conducted over two years, covering early late Spanish season UK season. aim of was study: a) effect seasonal variation horticultural maturity on shelf-life (20 °C) fresh-cut celery; b) application 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) continuous ethylene supplementation pithiness development during cold storage (5 °C); c) preharvest deficit irrigation °C). Lesser increased with severity being positively correlated chlorogenic acid concentrations in cut-ends. Ethylene accelerated metabolic activity celery, leading senescence. We found 1-MCP suppressed respiration rate delayed browning. Deficit promoted browning, coincided a rapid increase abscisic its catabolite phaseic storage. Mild after 6 d storage, while severe did not show this increase. These findings will help growers retailers standardise industry practices ensuring uniform better estimations.