Abstract
Plant growth regulator 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) delays the ripening of many climacteric fruits and vegetables. However, the effect of 1-MCP has been studied to a lesser extent on non-climacteric fruit, showing variable results in delaying their ripening. In the present experiment the effects of using different doses: 1, 2, 4 uL of 1-MCP per liter in the form of Vidre+ stickers (Fresh Inset) compared to control (without 1-MCP) on the quality parameters and shelf life of cv. Kordia and Regina was evaluated. One Liter clamshells of freshly picked sweet cherries were placed into a plastic bag for 24 h. After that, all clamshells were placed into a storage chamber (2–3 °C, 90–95% relative air humidity). The best results in terms of weight loss, stem browning, firmness and fruit quality after storage was obtained with samples treated with 1-MCP. Similar relationships were obtained with regard to the concentration of Vitamin C, total polyphenols, anthocyanins and the antioxidant activity FRAP. Compared to the Kordia cv., the Regina cv. was characterized by smaller losses and smaller changes in other parameters during storage.