Preharvest application of 1 MCP on ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon fruit treated with ethephon

Abstract

In persimmon, ethephon application is commonly used to advance the harvest time in order to extend the commercial period Nevertheless, after this treatment, the fruit maturation is accelerated and the quality maintenance during storage is difficult Persimmon are commonly submitted to a postharvest treatment with 1 methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) (Smartfresh ®) before storage to maintain fruit firmness and quality Recent studies have been shown that a preharvest application of 1-MCP (Harvista ®) has a positive effect to delay fruit maturation and preserve fruit postharvest quality in some crops However, there are a few studies on this treatment in persimmon. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the preharvest application of 1-MCP on the quality of persimmon treated with ethephon.