SMARTFRESH^SM (1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE) BENEFITS FOR KIWIFRUIT

The SmartFresh^SM quality system, through the management of ethylene, is a step forward to provide superior fresh produce for consumers. The active ingredient of SmartFresh^SM (1-methylcyclopropene or 1-MCP) works with the natural ripening process slowing the damaging effects of ethylene by preventing its perception from both internal and external sources. SmartFresh^SM has been developed by AgroFresh Inc., a subsidiary of Rohm and Haas Company, since the end of 1999 in cooperation with leading postharvest researchers. SmartFresh™ has been granted registration on kiwifruit in New Zealand, Chile, USA, China, South Africa and it is under advanced registration process in other countries including Italy and France. SmartFresh^SM has been evaluated through small scale and large pre-commercial trials including shipment to importing countries, carried out in cooperation with key researchers and packers. SmartFresh^SM brings several benefits to both green and yellow fleshed cultivars of kiwifruit including: fruits remaining firmer throughout storage and shelf life with no negative effect on physiological disorders and rots; reduced fruit losses owing to soft fruit; replacement of CA storage for medium-term storage and shipment; optimized storage and marketing window. SmartFresh^SM fruit ripen normally during shelf life with no negative effect on taste. SmartFresh^SM is applied as a one-time application into airtight storage room shortly after harvest. Low rates of use, non-detectable residues and the non-toxic mode of action of 1-MCP, provide high margins of safety for consumers, operators and the environment. SmartFresh^SM increases postharvest flexibility for managing fruit quality and packing capacity and reduces fruit losses. SmartFresh^SM application fits in with and complements existing postharvest storage practices.