Quality evaluation of 1-methylcyclopropene treated Japanese apricot using x-ray computed tomography

Abstract

The efficacy of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the quality of Japanese apricot was investigated at 25°C. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to measure pixel-based average CT values in terms of gray scale (GS) value. The ethylene production rate and weight loss were minimal, whereas firmness, apparent density and soluble solids content were higher in 1-MCP-treated fruits. The histogram profile was almost the same during the storage period in 1-MCP-treated fruit. Differences in the internal structure between 1-MCP and control fruits could be identified by CT images. The standard deviation (GS) and lowdensity pixel volume were negatively correlated, whereas average CT value (GS) and peak height were positively correlated with the bio-yield stress and apparent density. X-ray CT images could thus be used for quality evaluation. Further, 1-MCP significantly delayed the ripening of Japanese apricot, thereby maintaining the internal structure at harvesting for seven d.