Exploring the Effect of 1-MCP Treatment on the Post-Harvest Quality and Electronic Nose Characteristics of ‘Jizaohong’ Apricots

Apricots, known for their unique flavor and health advantages, experience external quality deterioration after harvest due to their climacteric characteristics, leading to a decrease in shelf life. This research examines the effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on the post-harvest quality and volatile compound profiles of 'Jizaohong' apricots when stored under ambient conditions. After harvesting, apricots underwent treatment with 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µL L^-1 of 1-MCP for a duration of 24 h, subsequently being stored at ambient temperature (20 ± 1 °C). The results demonstrate that 1-MCP treatments reduced decay, respiration rates, and ethylene production, while also preserving fruit firmness and maintaining skin coloration. Furthermore, the application of 1-MCP markedly diminished the emission of volatile compounds in 'Jizaohong' apricots, while linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effectively distinguished between the treated fruits and the untreated controls. The correlation analysis revealed a relationship between the response values of the electronic nose and the quality of the fruit, supporting its potential for swift and non-invasive assessment. Among the concentrations evaluated, 1.0 µL L^-1 1-MCP demonstrated the highest efficacy in minimizing decay and improving quality, whereas 1.5 µL L^-1 1-MCP did not show notable variations in firmness or ethylene suppression. Thus, the application of 1.0 µL L^-1 1-MCP after harvest serves as an effective method for preserving the quality of 'Jizaohong' apricots and prolonging their shelf life, while also enabling swift, non-invasive evaluations using the electronic nose.