Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene Treatment on Extension of Freshness and Storage Potential of Fresh Ginseng

Fresh ginseng has a limited storage life due to the quality change caused by microbial spoilage as well as physiological deterioration. The present study investigated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment, an inhibitor of ethylene action, on the microbial growth and quality maintenance of fresh ginseng during storage. Harvested fresh ginsengs were treated with 1 mu L.L-1 1-MCP for 20 hours at 4 degrees C and then stored at room temperature (RT) for 18 days or low temperature (4 degrees C) for 160 days. After 18 days of storage at RT, the percentage weight loss in 1-MCP treated fresh ginseng (8.3%) is lower than that of control (10.1%). During long- term storage at 4 degrees C, weight losses were increased slightly until 120 days without difference between non-treated and 1-MCP ginsengs. In contrast, after 120 days of storage at 4 degrees C, higher increase in weight loss was observed in non-treated ginsengs than in 1-MCP treated ginsengs. Respiration rate and ethylene production of fresh ginseng were reduced by 1-MCP treatments at RT. The 1-MCP treatment also resulted in lower microbial population compared to those of non-treated ginsengs at RT. However, in ginsengs stored at 4 degrees C for short-term (45 days), no differences were noted in weight loss and microbial population between 1-MCP treated and non-treated ginsengs. Major ginsenosides was not changed by 1-MCP treatment during the 7 days of storage at RT. Results suggest that 1-MCP treatment can be used to maintain the freshness of ginseng at room temperature for short term storage and at low temperature for long term storage. 1-MCP treatment could be applied on fresh ginseng to avoid deleterious effect of exogenous ethylene during storage and shipping.