Current and Future Research and Uses of 1-mcp in Apples

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an inhibitor of ethylene perception, has been commercialized as SmartFresh technology for postharvest use on fruits and vegetables around the world. 1-MCP is used widely on apple fruit in North America; its successful commercial uptake has occurred because the technology helps to maintain quality of the fruit, not only during storage, but also through the entire marketing chain including the consumers’ homes. However, handling practices must take into account any factors that affect ethylene production. These factors include growing region, cultivar, maturity and ripening stage, time between harvest and treatment, and storage conditions. 1-MCP can reduce a number of serious storage disorders that cause fruit loss, such as senescent breakdown and superficial scald, but the incidence of others including carbon dioxide injury and flesh browning, can be increased by 1-MCP.