This study assessed the impact of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and controlled atmosphere (CA) on the metabolism of targeted amino acids, organic acids, and antioxidants in stored 'AC Harrow Crisp' pears and their relationships to storage disorders. Pears were treated with 0 or 300 nL L-1 1-MCP and stored at 0 °C under ambient air or CA. Spectrophotometric assays demonstrated that glutathione levels fluctuated with storage and were most preserved by 1-MCP under ambient air. HPLC analysis revealed that ascorbate concentrations declined with storage and were little affected by 1-MCP and CA. Citrate, lactate, and fumarate accumulated with storage but were differentially affected by 1-MCP. Aspartate and glutamate concentrations were greater with 1-MCP; γ-aminobutyrate accumulated in disordered fruit. Principal component analysis demonstrated that alterations in citrate and fumarate were, respectively, correlated with internal breakdown and senescent scald. γ-Aminobutyrate and alanine were associated with internal cavities. All disorders were associated with antioxidant depletion.
Keywords: 1-methylcyclopropene; Pyrus communis; amino acids; antioxidants; controlled atmosphere; organic acids.