The effective component of Preservative is 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), which is the most outstanding ethylene inhibitor. 1-MCP can obstruct ethylene’s normal physiological function by irreversible combination with the receptor, so as to delay the ethylene-causing decline of quality. For the features of non-toxic, non-pollution and high efficiency, 1-MCP has wide application prospect in fruits, vegetables and flowers fresh keeping. The use of 1-MCP as a preservative was called a revolution in some developed countries.
Application prospect
1-MCP is the best ethylene inhibitor. Some researches showed that 1-MCP has significant fresh-keeping effect on different fruits and vegetables, such as various of apple, pear, persimmon, kiwi fruit, peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, cherry, grape, strawberry, banana, mango, avocado, orange, lemon, pineapple, litchi, red bayberry, dog head dates, Long dates, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, parsley and lettuce. A large number of studies have proved the effectiveness of 1-MCP and it is now extending in the all over world. Due to its low toxicity, 1-MCP has wide application prospect.
Preservation
Some studies showed that 1-MCP can inhibit the production of ethylene, delay the appearance of ethylene concentration peak, keep fruit hardness, relief the decrease of fruit hardness in storage and shelf periods, delay the decomposition of chlorophyll, keep fruit color, reduce the loss of titratable acid, maintain good flavor, reduce starch conversion rate, delay the decrease of soluble solids and inhibit postharvest physiological diseases, particularly apple superficial scald.
