Postharvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene and modified atmosphere packaging extends shelf life and maintains eating quality of mango fruit cv. Sufaid Chaunsa

The mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit is globally relished for its sweet taste, unique aromatic profile, and enriched nutritional value. However, its short postharvest life is a serious challenge for export to long-distance markets. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is an ethylene inhibitor known to delay ripening in many fruits, including mango. However, comparative research suggesting an appropriate method to treat mangoes with 1-MCP is limited. In this study, mango fruit cv. Sufaid Chaunsa were fumigated with 0.25 ppm 1-MCP or treated aqueously with 1.2 ppm 1-MCP for 5 min and then packed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The control fruits were not treated with 1-MCP and were only wrapped with packaging paper. After treatment, the mango fruits were stored at 25 ± 2 °C and 55 ± 10% relative humidity for 16 days. The control fruits reached the eatable ripe stage after 7 days, whereas mango fruits aqueous-treated or fumigated with 1-MCP remained marketable (including storage and ripening period) for 20 and 21 days, respectively. Overall, the application of 1-MCP (aqueous and fumigation) packed in MAP effectively delayed decay incidence by at least 14 days. Aqueous treatment of MAP-packed mango fruits with 1-MCP also effectively reduced fruit weight loss (0.11% loss per day) compared to fumigation treatment (0.19% loss per day) and control (0.51% loss per day). Likewise, mango fruits aqueous-treated with 1-MCP and packed in MAP retained higher total soluble solids and ascorbic acid, whereas mango fruits fumigated with 1-MCP and packed in MAP retained higher antioxidant activity compared to the other two cases. In conclusion, the results suggest that 1- MCP aqueous application is more effective than 1-MCP fumigation in extending storage life, delaying loss of nutritional profile, and retaining the antioxidative potential of mango fruit cv. Sufaid Chaunsa.