Mechanism, application and prospect of 1-methylcyclopropene on post-harvest fruit quality maintenance

Abstract

1-Methylcyclopropene exerts a crucial role in maintaining the quality of fruits and prolonging their shelf life. Currently, traditional preservation methods have been unable to fulfill the high-standard demands of consumers for the quality of fruits. How to prolong the postharvest storage period of fruits has become a big challenge. Ethylene synthesis is the key factor leading to excessive ripening and spoilage of fruits during postharvest storage. As an ethylene inhibitor, 1-MCP can inhibit the synthesis of ethylene by blocking the combination of ethylene and its receptor, so as to prolong the storage life of fruits and maintain the quality of fruits. The emergence of 1-MCP provides new ideas and strategies for the preservation of fruits after harvest. This review first describes the inhibition mechanism of 1-MCP on ethylene synthesis, preparation methods and the effect of different conditions on its effect. Subsequently, the effects of 1-MCP technology on specific physiological and biochemical characteristics of fruits were described in detail, such as inhibiting ethylene synthesis, reducing respiration rate, enhancing cell wall strength and maintaining fruit flavor. Furthermore, the collaborative preservation strategies of 1-methylcyclopropene in combination with other approaches were also investigated. Finally, the existing problems and future development prospects of 1-MCP are summarized and prospected. It is anticipated that by means of this review, theoretical grounds and references can be furnished for the further application of 1-MCP in fruit preservation.