Involvement of ethylene in color changes and carotenoid biosynthesis in loquat fruit (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. cv. Algerie)

•Ethylene affects carotenoid biosynthesis in loquat fruits during postharvest.•Sensitivity of loquat fruits to ethylene depends on the fruit developmental stage.•The response to ethylene is different in loquat peel and pulp.•The effect of 1-MCP on loquat coloration is more acute in pulp than in peel.•β-carotene hydroxylase is key in the regulation of carotenoid composition in loquat fruit.