Preharvest Treatment of 1-methylcyclopropene Reduces the Occurrence of the Water-soaking and Enhances the Quality of Watermelons (Citrullus Vulgaris)

Exposure to exogenous ethylene is closely related to occurrence of water-soaking in watermelons. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) inhibits the physiological action of ethylene in fruits and vegetables. Consequently, a preharvest treatment of 1-MCP was a possible option to reduce the occurrence of the water-soaking in watermelons. Two cultivars were used to validate the effect of the preharvest 1-MCP treatment at 10 days prior to their harvest. The 1-MCP treatment of 1μL/L enhanced the soluble solid content and fruit weight of the 2 cultivars, and lowered the water-soaking percentage and respiration rate. The 1-MCP blocked the physiological action of exogenous ethylene and slowed down the maturation of the watermelons. In summary, the preharvest 1-MCP treatment of 1μL/L reduced the occurrence of the water-soaking and enhanced the quality of watermelons by slowing down the maturation.