EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND 1-METHYLCICLOPROPENE ON THE STORABILITY OF ‘ALEXANDER LUCAS’ PEAR

ABSTRACT The storage life of ‘Alexander Lucas’ pear is limited by the occurrence internal disorders during controlled atmosphere (CA). 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can be used to delay ripening, however, its interaction with CA conditions not well understood. fruit were treated 1-MCP at 300 nL L-1 for 24 h in air at-0.5 or 1.0 °C before being stored. Fruit kept normal (2.0 kPa O2 plus <0.7 CO2). After six months storage, superficial scald did develop fruit. highest incidence flesh browning (72.2 %) was found air-stored without treatment. Storage produced 88.8 % healthy In contrast, increased and core under conditions. maintained greener skin color higher titratable acidity. No significant differences firmness, total soluble solids ascorbic acid content between treatments. conclusion, quality best combined