1-methylcyclopropene effects on volatile profile and quality of 'Royal Gala' apples produced in Southern Brazil and stored in controlled atmosphere

Apple volatile aroma depends of complex interaction among organic compounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on volatile profile and quality on 'Royal Gala' apples produced in Southern Brazil and stored under controlled atmosphere condition (CA; 1.0kPa O2+1.2kPa CO2; 0.5±0.1°C; 94±1% relative humidity). Volatile profile was determined after eight month of CA storage plus 7 days of shelf life via solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. In the volatile profile were identified 8 esters, 11 alcohols, 6 aldehydes, 6 acids, 2 ketones, 1 ether and 1 terpene. 1-MCP application reduced significantly the main volatile compounds production by 'Royal Gala' apples produced in Southern Brazil. Its application decreases significantly the esters production, especially 2-methyl-butyl acetate and hexyl acetate, compared to 'Royal Gala' apples storage under CA. 1-methylcyclopropene application decrease ethylene production and respiration rate. Apples treated with 1-MCP exhibit higher hexanal and 2(E)-hexenal production.