Wpływ traktowania metylocyklopropenem (1-MCP) na cechy jakościowe przechowywanych pomidorów

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene) treatment of tomato fruit on changes in physical properties during storage. The cultivar of ‘Faustine F1’ were grown on stakes in field conditions. The tomato fruits were harvested in mature green and full red stages of maturity. The fruits of tomato treated with 1-MCP at 1.0 μL·L-1 or 2.0 μL·L-1 and control fruit (untreated) were stored at 12.5°C and 20°C, and 85–90% relative humidity in normal air. Immediately after harvest and after 4 weeks of storage, fruit color analyzes were performed in the CIE L*a*b* system (L* – brightness, a* – intensity of red color, b* – intensity of yellow color) as well as firmness and compressive strength of the Instron apparatus 1140. The results of two-year observation of the physical properties of tomato fruits showed a differences in the values of the determined parameters depending on the 1-MCP treatment, maturity stage and storage temperature, and the year of the study. In 2009, the 1-MCP treatment of tomato fruits ‘Faustine F1’ resulted in more than twice as high firmness and compressive strength of fruits as compared to untreated fruit, and also significantly influenced changes in color parameters. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the 1-MCP treatment of tomato fruit is an effective way of delaying their ripening, maintaining high firmness, color and can be successfully used to extend their storage period.