ARS | Publication request: Manipulation of fruit ripening in "Hass" avocado using 1-Methylcyclopropene(1-MCP)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 23, 2009
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The state of Michoacán is the principal producer of ‘Hass’ avocado in Mexico with production of over 1 million tons annually. Hass avocado has excellent fruit characteristics and shelf-life. However, fruits harvested from January to May have a high dry matter content (>30%) and exhibit skin blackening which shorten shelf-life. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) blocks ethylene production and has been used successfully on Hass avocado.However, its use causes irregular ripening which requires exogenous ethylene applications. We evaluated the effect of 1-MCP on ripening of Hass avocado for export to Canada. Fruits harvested in March 2009 were treated with1-MCP for 4 hours in a refrigerated (6 ± 2°C, 85 ± 10% RH) chamber where they were kept for 7 days to simulate shipment to Canada. Afterwards, the fruits were stored at room temperature (20 ± 2°C, 75 ± 10% RH) for 8 days. Data on weight loss, firmness and change in peel color were recorded. As compared to control fruit, those treated with 1-MCP maintained firmness and fruit color for four additional days. In addition, fruit ripening was initiated by simply removing fruit from cold storage without the need to expose fruit to an ethylene atmosphere.