Combined effects of paper-containing 1-methylcyclopropene with nitrogen-modified atmosphere packaging in the logistics process of e-commerce on fruit quality of plum (Prunus salicina cv. ‘Qingcuili’) during shelf life

Abstract

In this study, the paper-containing 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and 100% nitrogen (modified atmosphere packaging, MAP) were used to treat plums during logistics process of e-commerce (about 24 h). Quality changes of plums were analysed during shelf life at 25 °C and 4 °C for 6 and 12 days, respectively. Results showed that compared with control, 1-MCP, MAP and 1-MCP + MAP decreased respiration rate and ethylene production, maintained lower weight loss, higher green (a*) and firmness, maintained titratable acidity (TA) and ascorbic acid (ASA) content, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and maintained peroxidase (POD) activity. The quality of 1-MCP + MAP group was the best, followed by the 1-MCP group and MAP group. Overall, the combination of 1-MCP with MAP treatments in the logistics process of e-commerce has potential prospects for application to maintain the shelf life quality of fruits.