1-Methylcyclopropene containing-papers suppress the disassembly of cell wall polysaccharides in Anxi persimmon fruit during storage

Anxi persimmon is a popular fruit because of its appealing flavor and rich nutrients such as polysaccharides. However, the harvested persimmon fruit softens and deteriorates quickly. This study explored the influences of the treatment of papers containing 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the contents of cell wall polysaccharides and activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes in harvested Anxi persimmons, as well as its effect on fruit softening. The results demonstrated that, in comparison to the control Anxi persimmons, the Anxi persimmons treated with 1.35 μL/L 1-MCP manifested higher fruit firmness, higher contents of protopectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, but a lower level of water-soluble pectin, lower activities of pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, cellulase, and β-galactosidase in Anxi persimmons during postharvest storage. These findings suggested that the treatment of papers containing 1.35 μL/L 1-MCP could retard softening of harvested Anxi persimmon fruit via inhibiting the degradation of cell wall polysaccharides. •Paper containing 1-MCP retarded fruit softening in harvested Anxi persimmons.•Paper containing 1-MCP reduced Anxi persimmon cell wall-degrading enzyme activities.•Paper containing 1-MCP kept higher levels of Anxi persimmon cell wall polysaccharides.•Paper containing 1-MCP inhibited Anxi persimmon cell wall polysaccharides disassembly.•Paper containing 1-MCP is a convenient method for keeping quality of Anxi persimmons.