Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plen) was held for 12 days at 1
0 degrees C in air or in ethylene (1 mu L.L-1), with or without prior expos
ure to MCP (1 mu L.L-1) for 12 hours. In a second experiment, the effects o
f concentration of MCP, prior to exposure to ethylene, were evaluated. Trea
tment with MCP reduced whereas exposure to ethylene stimulated respiration
and yellowing. Treatment with MCP before continuous exposure to ethylene ne
gated the effects of ethylene. The inhibitory effect of MCP on respiration
of broccoli exposed to I mu L.L-1 ethylene was concentration-dependent, whi
le the effect on yellowing was not. The results indicate that the yellowing
of broccoli is mediated by ethylene action, and that MCP treatment inhibit
s yellowing and reduces respiration, even when broccoli is exposed to ethyl
ene. Chemical name used: 1-methylcyclopropene (MCP).