Effects of 1-MCP or packaging film on the quality and gas composition of 'Fuji' apple fruit during long-term storage

Fruit quality and gas composition were evaluated in 'Fuji' apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) treated with air (control), 1.0 mu l l(-1) 1-MCP, 0.03 mm-thick microporous polyethylene film (0.03-MPE film), 0.03 mm-thick non-porous polyethylene film (0.03-PE film), or 0.05 mm-thick PE film (0.05-PE film) during low-temperature (0 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees C) storage for 180 d, followed by 7-28 d at room temperature to simulate shelf-life. The 1-MCP and 0.03-MPE film treatments retarded fruit softening under low-temperature storage. Fruit packaging with PE film significantly increased the rates of ethylene production (approx. 60 nl g(-1) h(-1)) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations [3.5-6.5% (v/v)], but resulted in decreased O-2 concentrations [12-15% (v/v)] after 180 d in low-temperature storage. Significant decreases in fruit fresh weight were observed in the control treatment, followed by the 1-MCP and 0.03-MPE-film treatments during low-temperature storage. Treatment with 1-MCP or 0.03-MPE film contributed to high fruit firmness and titratable acidity values during 28 d storage at room temperature (20 degrees +/- 5 degrees C).