Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Softening and Related Physiological Changes in ‘Huo’ Persimmon during Postharvest Controlled Freezing Point Storage

To address the problem of rapid postharvest softening of persimmon fruit, the effects of treatment with 1.0 μL/L 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), modified atmosphere packaging (MA) and their combination on the softening and related physiological indicators of ‘Huo’ persimmon fruit with and without calyx lobes were investigated during postharvest controlled freezing point ((-0.5 ± 0.3)℃) storage. It turned out that both individual and combined treatments delayed persimmon softening. Calyx lobe retention combined with MA provided the best maintenance of high CO₂ and low O₂ concentration in the storage environment and effectively inhibited β-galactosidase (β-Gal) activity. Calyx lobe removal combined with 1-MCP treatment was the most effective in delaying the decrease in fruit hardness, inhibiting the activity of cellulase (CX) and polygalacturonase (PG), reducing respiration intensity and ethylene production rate, and decreasing the loss of total flavonoids. 1-MCP + MA slowed down the decrease in skin hardness and reduced the loss of VC and total phenols. Furthermore, removing the calyx lobes delayed the emergence of a second ethylene peak. Overall, 1-MCP treatment of persimmon fruit without calyx lobes can delay persimmon softening and preserve persimmon quality well during CF storage.