Antioxidant potential of 'Conference' pears during cold storage and shelf life in response to 1-methylcyclopropene

Antioxidant metabolism and changes in membrane permeability were studied during cold storage and shelf life in 'Conference' pears. The fruit were harvested at different harvest dates and growing locations and treated with 300 nL L−1 of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). 1-MCP-treated fruit exhibited higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, together with higher ascorbic acid levels during cold storage. During shelf-life, the 1-MCP treatment reduced the electrolyte leakage and improved the capacity of the fruit to remove reactive oxygen species by increasing SOD, CAT and peroxidase (POX) activities. The effect of 1-MCP treatment on the antioxidant metabolism differed between orchards but not between harvest dates.

► 1-MCP caused changes in the antioxidant metabolism of 'Conference' pears. ► 1-MCP treatments enhanced SOD and CAT activity, together with higher AsA acid levels. ► The 1-MCP treatment effect differed between orchards but not between harvest dates.