1-methylcyclopropene

1-methylcyclopropene is a synthetic gas that belongs to the group of ethylene inhibitors. The substance has a unique ability to block ethylene receptors in plant tissues, preventing the maturation hormone from binding to its receptors.

The mechanism of action is based on competitive inhibition: the substance molecule binds tightly to the receptor's active site, preventing endogenous or exogenous ethylene from triggering the biochemical cascade of senescence.

Due to its high specificity, 1-methylcyclopropene effectively puts the plant into a state of dormancy, slowing down respiration processes and chlorophyll breakdown. This helps to maintain the texture, firmness, and nutritional value of the produce.

The substance acts at the molecular level, and the effect lasts for a long time, as the plant requires time to synthesize new ethylene receptors.

This agent is not a pesticide in the traditional sense, but is classified as a plant growth regulator that ensures quality control after harvest.

The application is aimed at combating premature aging, wilting, yellowing, and cell wall breakdown caused by natural ethylene emission in fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers.

Treatment is carried out in airtight chambers by evaporating the product, where application rates strictly depend on the chamber volume and the crop type. The concentration is measured in nanoliters per liter (nl/L).

Timing of treatment is critical: the procedure must be performed as quickly as possible after harvest, before the onset of the active climacteric ripening phase.

The product requires strict adherence to temperature regimes in chambers to ensure uniform gas distribution and prevent condensation.

There are limitations regarding the types of produce: some non-climacteric crops respond weakly to the treatment, and individual dosage adjustments are required for certain sensitive varieties.

Usage requires specialized equipment for gas generation and concentration control, as well as high room airtightness, which makes field application impossible.

When working with the substance, safety protocols for handling gases must be followed, and respiratory protective equipment must be used.

It is important to remember that the treatment does not eliminate pathogenic microflora, so it must be combined with fungicidal protection measures to prevent rot during storage.