Question
I have been unable to find the chemical structure of 1-MCP. Do you know if it effectively delays postharvest softening of Sweet Cherries? (C.P.)
Answer
1-MCP is 1-methylcyclopropene. It has a similar structure to ethylene and binds irreversibly to ethylene receptors, thereby blocking the effects of ethylene gas on the commodity. I have not heard of any effect on cherry fruit softening with 1-MCP (SmartFreshTM) and this is not too surprising since cherry is a non-climacteric fruit, meaning that ethylene does not stimulate rapid ripening in cherry. --