Postharvest treatment with 1-MCP in apple ‘Gala’ mutants: physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of 1-MCP on physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of 'Gala' apples mutants, harvested at two different times and maintained in refrigerated atmosphere (0 °C) during 90 days. 'Mondial Gala', 'Imperial Gala' and 'Galaxy' were obtained from commercial orchards. After harvesting, half of the fruits were treated with 1-MCP, and control fruits were maintained in the same condition, but without the treatment. Skin color, pulp firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanin and antioxidant activity were evaluated in peel and pulp. The results show that using 1-MCP, pulp firmness was higher than the control. Titratable acidity analysis showed statistical differences for apple clones, harvest point and treatment with 1-MCP. Total soluble solids content was not influenced by the treatments. Epidermis color was statistically influenced by clone (a*, L* and C*), and by harvest point (L*), but 1-MCP did not affect this parameter. The content of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity was higher in the peel when compared to the pulp. 1-MCP proved to be effective in maintaining postharvest quality in all clones and at two harvest points tested.