Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene treatment combined with modified atmosphere packaging on the postharvest storage quality and antioxidant capacity of mini-cucumber

In order to extend the storing period of mini-cucumber, the individual and combined effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the postharvest storage quality of mini-cucumber during storage at (10±1) ℃ were investigated in this research. The results showed that 1-MCP, MAP and 1-MCP+MAP treatments could delay the decline of chlorophyll content, hardness and total soluble solid content, in comparison with the control group. Among the three treatments, 1-MCP+MAP treatment maintained the highest antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and ascorbic acid peroxidase) and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, significantly suppressed the changes of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, weight loss and respiration rates. Therefore, the preservation effect of 1-MCP+MAP treatment on the quality of cucumber was significantly better than that of the treatment alone, and the low-temperature storage period could be prolonged by 5-10 d. The results of the study provide a technical reference and theoretical basis for the application of 1-MCP combined with MAP treatment in the preservation of mini-cucumber.