The Role of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in Improving the Postharvest Quality of Some Cut Rose Cultivars

In order to improve the postharvest quality and the export ability of cut rose (Rosa hybrida L.) cvs. Happy Hour and Bordeaux, the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) as an ethylene inhibitor, was investigated. 1-MCP was used at 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 g m-3 for 18 h at 8 °C to simulate the transport of flowers. 1-MCP treatment significantly prolonged the vase life and minimized the weight loss of both cultivars compared to the control, however the response of Happy Hour cultivar was higher than the Bordeaux cultivar. 1-MCP treatment enhanced the relative water content (RWC) of flowers. The treatment of 1-MCP significantly retarded the degradation of chlorophyll and carbohydrate contents during vase life evaluation in both cultivars. The ethylene production was significantly decreased by applying 1-MCP treatment. The membrane stability index (MSI) was maintained while malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased in response to 1-MCP treatment. The best treatments in this concern were 1-MCP at 0.4 and 0.5 g m-3 for Happy Hour and Bordeaux cultivars, respectively. 1-MCP treatment was recommended to inhibit the negative effects of ethylene on rose cultivars tested.