The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on senescence and induction of resistance against postharvest
decay in jujube (Zizyphus jujuba cv. Huping) fruit were investigated in this study. The results
indicated that, compared to control, 1-MCP at 1 mL Ll depressed ethylene production by 28% and
respiration rate by 30% at 24 h after treatment, resulting in effective delay in fruit senescence. 1-MCP
treatment was beneficial for maintaining quality of jujube fruit stored both at 25 and 0 C, retarding
decline of firmness, vitamin C, titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids content (SSC) which are
important parameters for fruit quality evaluation during the storage periods. Moreover, 1-MCP effectively
limited the development of lesion diameter of blue mold rot and significantly reduced the incidence of
natural decay. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase
(CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly induced after 1-MCP treatment. These findings
indicate that the induced resistance in jujube fruit by 1-MCP is related with the increase of enzymes
involved in scavenging of reactive oxygen species and enzymes associated with phenolics metabolism
which produces highly toxic products against pathogen invasion. Our results suggest that 1-MCP has
potential effect on maintaining the quality and extending postharvest life of jujube fruit.