Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality of Chinese chive scapes.

Abstract The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest quality and lignification of Chinese chive scapes ( Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel) was examined during storage at 20 °C. The results showed that the treatment with 0.5 μL L −1 1-MCP significantly delayed weight loss and opening rate of flowers, maintained higher chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents, inhibited respiration, reduced the activities of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and peroxidase, and retarded lignin and cellulose accumulation. The results suggest that 1-MCP treatment may be a promising technique to maintain postharvest quality of Chinese chive scapes.