Effect of a pre-harvest treatment with Harvista™ on the nutraceutical quality and volatile compound profile of apples

Abstract

The formulation of a pre-harvest treatment including the active ingredient 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), Harvista™ effectively delays fruit ripening. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Harvista on the ripening process, nutraceutical properties, and aromatic composition of three apple varieties (‘Royal Gala’, ‘Golden Delicious’, and ‘Rosy Glow’) at harvest, after 3 months of cold storage (0.5 ºC), and during a subsequent shelf-life of 7 d after cold storage (20 ºC). Three experimental groups were established: (i) control fruit (CT), (ii) fruit treated with Harvista and harvested on the same day as the CT, (iii) fruit treated and then harvested at a starch index (SI) of 7–8. Quality parameters, ethylene production, nutraceutical profile, and volatile compounds were analysed at different sampling points. The chlorophyll absorbance index (IAD), SI, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and Hue indicated that Harvista was effective in delaying fruit ripening on the tree, thereby enhancing its storage potential. These characteristics at harvest were well correlated with ethylene production. After cold storage and subsequent shelf life, the treated fruit exhibited a reduced loss of firmness and better colour retention. The most significant effects were observed in ’Rosy Glow’ apples, in which the treated groups remained less ripe throughout the study. Globally analysing all of the conditions for the three varieties, the treatment did not negatively affect the concentration of water-soluble vitamins, antioxidant capacity, vitamin C, or phenolic compounds. Similarly, the volatile compounds were not adversely altered except for ‘Rosy Glow’, so the treated fruit presented a similar profile to that of the CT fruit. Pre-harvest application of Harvista appears to offer an effective treatment for extending the harvest window and improving fruit preservation without compromising its nutraceutical properties.