1-MCP Releasing Complex for Open-Field Application

Abstract

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a gas at room temperature which makes it difficult to handle and limits its application to use in closed environments. Open field application of 1-MCP can be a solution to protect crops from environmental stresses like drought or water logging. Our previous studies showed that Boronized-MCP is stable at ambient conditions and can gradually release 1-MCP when in contact with water. In this study the new complexes, suitable for being used directly in open crop fields have been generated and analyzed and also the effectiveness of the previously reported complexes in an open environment has been investigated. This new generation of boron complexes releases 1-MCP in a controlled way upon water contact without emitting any other volatile substances and thus expands their field of application.