(Oct. 2007) Effect of the combination treatment of 1-methylcyclopropene and acidified sodium chlorite on microbial growth and quality of fresh-cut cilantro.

Effect of the combination treatment of 1-methylcyclopropene and acidified sodium chlorite on microbial growth and quality of fresh-cut cilantro.

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Oct. 2007

Kim, J.G., Tao, Y.,and Luo, Y.

Postharvest Biology and Technology

v. 46. pp. 144-149

Prior research has shown that 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) binds to ethylene receptors blocking ethylene activity and can, therefore, be used effectively to delay senescence of tissues in many fruits and vegetables. Acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) has been used effectively as a sanitizing agent to inhibit microbial growth on fruits and vegetables. The authors hypothesize that the combined application of 1-MCP and ASC would be a beneficial treatment to increase shelf-life and improve the quality and safety of fresh-cut cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.). This study investigated the effects of 1-MCP, ASC, and their combination on respiration rate and ethylene production, microbial growth and storage life of fresh-cut cilantro. Cilantro bunches were treated with 1.5 µl L-1 1-MCP for 18 h at 10 °C. The treated and non-treated cilantro leaves were cut and washed in water, 100 µl L^-1 chlorine, or 100 µl L^-1ASC solutions. Samples were centrifugally dried, packaged with 29.2 pmol s^-1 m^-2 Pa^-1 oxygen transmission rate films, and stored for 14 days at 5 °C. Results indicated that 1-MCP reduced the respiration rate of fresh-cut cilantro and significantly (P < 0.0001) delayed the decrease in oxygen and accumulation of carbon dioxide partial pressures in the headspace of sample packages, and also retained a lower tissue electrolyte leakage. ASC application resulted in a significant reduction of initial aerobic bacterial populations and coliform/Escherichia coli counts, and significantly reduced the rate of decay. Combined treatment with 1-MCP and ASC was effective in maintaining tissue integrity, reducing ethanol production, reducing decay and maintaining the highest overall quality at the end of storage.