Effects of 1-MCP on postharvest physiology and quality of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.)

• 1-MCP significantly improved postharvest physiology and quality of bitter melon when the dose exceed 5.0 μl l−1.
• 1-MCP markedly reduced decay and tissue-softening, and inhibited yellowing appearance of bitter melon.
• 1-MCP retarded loss of ascorbic acid and soluble protein and suppressed SOD, CAT and POD activities of bitter melon.
• Although the peak of ethylene production and respiration rate can’t be delayed, their values were markedly decreased by 1-MCP.

Young immature bitter melons were fumigated with 1-MCP at different concentrations (0.5, 5.0 or 50.0 μl l−1) for 12 h, then stored at 20 °C and 85–90% relative humidity (RH) to investigate postharvest quality and physiology. According to the visual appearance of bitter melon, we determined the effective concentration of 1-MCP was 5.0 μl l−1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the application of 1-MCP inhibited ethylene production and thereby improved fruit quality of bitter melon as reflected from ascorbic acid (AsA) and soluble protein content. In addition, 1-MCP maintained antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) of bitter melon at initial stage but suppressed at the subsequent shelf life. Our results suggested that the use of 1-MCP was an effective method to retain postharvest physiology and quality of bitter melon.