RESUMEN
This study explored the impact of three packaging materials (wooden boxes, corrugated fiber boxes, shrink-wrapped boxes) combined with two ethylene scrubbers (1-MCP, KMnO4) on the shelf life of Golden Delicious apples. While previous research has extensively studied the effects of packaging and ethylene inhibitors independently, the novelty of this work lies in its combined evaluation of these factors under ambient storage conditions over an extended period of 160 days. The study specifically addresses a research gap by directly comparing the efficacy of 1-MCP and KMnO4 within different packaging environments, offering insights into their combined influence on key quality parameters such as firmness, juice yield, rot incidence, physiological loss in weight (PLW), acidity, and total soluble solids (TSS). Findings revealed that 1-MCP-treated apples, particularly when shrink-wrapped, experienced minimal reductions in firmness and juice yield, with significantly lower rot incidence and physiological loss in weight (PLW) compared to KMnO4-treated and control apples. Additionally, while acidity and juice content naturally declined over time, and TSS initially increased before decreasing, 1-MCP-treated apples exhibited more stable quality attributes. The study also noted a slower decline in organoleptic quality with 1-MCP and shrink-wrap packaging. The research concludes that the combination of 1-MCP treatment and shrink-wrap packaging most effectively extends the shelf life of Golden Delicious apples, highlighting the importance of integrated approaches to post-harvest management. This study provides a novel framework for improving storage techniques, particularly for ambient conditions where shelf life extension is most challenging.
RESUMEN
Auxin-like 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a high-efficiency anti-stalling agent for the post-harvest fresh fruit industry, has had its use restricted due to environmental concerns. However, no other substitutes for 2,4-D are available to the post-harvest industry. Insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of 2,4-D on fruit quality preservation will provide a theoretical basis for exploring new safe and effective anti-stalling agents. This study comprehensively analysed changes in the peel of Olinda Valencia orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] induced by 500 ppm 2,4-D using 'omic'-driven approaches. Transcriptional profiling revealed that transcriptional factor (mainly AP2/ERF, WRKY, and NAC family members), transport, and hormone metabolism genes were over-represented and up-regulated within 24h post-treatment (HPT). Stress defence genes were up-regulated, while cell wall metabolism genes were down-regulated after 48 HPT. However, secondary metabolism genes, especially phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis-related genes, were over-represented at all the time points. Comparative proteomic analysis indicated that the expression of proteins implicated in stress responses (25%), hormone metabolism, and signal transduction (12%) significantly accumulated at the post-transcriptional level. Hormone levels detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) showed that abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and 2,4-D significantly increased, while ethylene production (detected by gas chromatography) decreased after 2,4-D treatment. In addition, lignin and water content in the fruit peel also increased and the epicuticle wax ultrastructure was modified. In conclusion, 2,4-D retarded fruit senescence by altering the levels of many endogenous hormones and by improving stress defence capabilities by up-regulating defence-related genes and proteins.