Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1) Evaluate potential of treatment of preclimacteric ‘Golden Delicious’ apples with gaseous mixtures of 1-MCP and ethylene to delay but not prevent ethylene-mediated ripening processes. In year 1, the effective range of ethylene/1-MCP ratios will be determined, and in year 2, the optimal ratio of the two gases will be identified. 2) Determine whether or not 1-MCP/ethylene treatments are more effective than 1-MCP treatment at maintaining fruit resistance to decay caused by postharvest pathogens. In year 1, fruit resistance to P. expansum was evaluated, and in year 2, resistance to B. cinerea (and P. expansum time permitting) will be evaluated.
