The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at three different doses (0.25, 0.50,
and 0.75
L L
-1)on the ripening processes of a climacteric, cv. Santa Rosa,
and a suppressed climacteric type, cv.Golden Japan, plum was studied. For both cultivars, positive effects were observed in terms of inhibitionof ethylene production
and delays of the physical, chemical,
and biochemical changes associatedwith ripening. 1-MCP-treated plums were firmer with lower weight loss, reduced
Brix/titratable acidityratios,
and lower color changes during cold storage
and subsequent shelf life at 20
C than controls.For most factors, the effectiveness of 1-MCP was dose-dependent in Santa Rosa but dose-independent for Golden Japan.Keywords: 1-MCP; ethylene; firmness; ripening index; plum ripening; postharvest storage