Combined effects of 1-MCP and MAP on the fruit quality of pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Reld cv. Laiyang) during cold storage

To identify the most effective modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) and/or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment to maintain the fruit quality of ‘Laiyang’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Reld cv. Laiyang) during 210 days of cold storage (0–2 °C), two kinds of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging films with different O2 and CO2 permeabilities were evaluated with and without 1-MCP (0.5 μL/L or 1.0 μL/L). The results showed that 0.5 μL/L 1-MCP plus micro-perforated film packaging maintained the color, firmness, titratable acidity, and vitamin C content of the fruit flesh and was the most appropriate treatment for ‘Laiyang’ pear fruit during cold storage. Treatment with 0.5 μL/L 1-MCP plus micro-perforated film packaging inhibited respiration and ethylene production; maintained the activity levels of super oxidase dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase; decreased the cell-membrane permeability and malondialdehyde content; and inhibited the lipoxygenase and polyphenol oxidase activity of the fruit during cold storage.