1-Hexylcyclopropene in retarding tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit ripening and its mode of action

Abstract

Modulation of climacteric ripening in ‘Kommeet’ tomato fruit with 1-hexylcyclopropene (1-HCP) fumigation and its mode of action was investigated. Fumigation of 1-HCP (1000 nL L-1) significantly delayed (6 d) and suppressed climacteric ethylene production (0.92-fold) and respiration rate (0.71-fold) as compared to the control fruit. Fruit treated with 1-HCP (1000 nL L-1) showed delayed colour development (6 d), reduced weight loss, soluble solids concentration (SSC), and SSC:TA (titratable acidity) ratio, and higher TA (0.67) than the control fruit. 1-HCP treated fruit exhibited higher concentration of citric, malic, fumaric, succinic and total organic acids and no significant effects on the concentration of sugars compared to control fruit. In conclusion, 1-HCP (1000 nL L-1) fumigation delayed and suppressed ethylene production, respiration rate, colour development and ripening in ‘Kommeet’ tomato fruit. 1-HCP is an effective anti-ethylene compound but its mode of action is similar to 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP).