3.8. Analysis of volatile compounds
As shown in Fig. 6, both ethephon+1-MCP and 1-MCP treat- ments delayed the volatile compounds formation (Fig. 6A–C). Esters, aldehydes and alcohols are the three main volatile compounds in banana. Esters were the main volatile substance in the control treatment at 14th day, but aldehydes were the main volatile substance in 1-MCP treatment. For ethephon+1-MCP treatment, the main volatiles were esters and aldehydes (Fig. 6D). The contents of aldehydes and alcohols decreased during the storage, while esters increased. Different volatile composition may indicate different ripening stage. 1-MCP severely suppressed the formation of esters compared to the control and ethephon+1-MCP treatment.