Combined Effects of Controlled Atmosphere Storage and 1-Methylcyclopropene on Stored Fruit Quality of 'Abbe Fetel' Pear

In this research, the combined and separate effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and controlled atmosphere storage on some quality and biochemical properties of the 'Abbe Fetel' pear variety were investigated. Fruit harvested from Canakkale-Kepez region (Turkey) were treated with 625 ppb of 1-MCP, controlled atmosphere storage at 4% O-2 and 1% CO2 and a combination of these treatments. Treated fruits were stored at -1 to 0 degrees C and 90-95% RH conditions for 2,5 or 5 months. In addition fruits were kept at 18-20 degrees C conditions for 7 days after each storage period to measure shelf life. After harvest and each storage period with shelf life, some quality properties were measured. The quality measurements were skin color, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and decay incidence. In addition fruit taste was graded. According to the results a combination of controlled atmosphere and 1-MCP applications and only 1-MCP application were found more effective as keeping the quality during storage and shelf life.