• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.441-446
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• 2011

The effects of UV irradiation, as a hormetic stimulus, on the postharvest persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki cv. Fuyu) were investigated in regards to the change of carotenoid contents and flesh softening, when the UV irradiation was combined with or without the pretreatment of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) as an ethylene action inhibitor. The major carotenoid pigments in persimmon fruits were ${\beta}$-carotene, lycopene and ${\beta}$-cryptoxanthin. Of them, the lycopene was a pigment, which increased markedly after harvest. UV irradiation increased the contents of ${\beta}$-carotene and lycopene, enhancing the skin color to scarlet. The treatment accelerated however also the softening of fruit flesh. But the softening of UV irradiated fruits could be delayed significantly by pretreatment with 1-MCP without reducing the advantageous effect of UV irradiation on the carotenoid increase.