From Chemical Properties to Action Principles: Understanding 1-methylcyclopropene
1-Methylcyclopropene (CAS No. 3100-04-7, abbreviated as 1-MCP). From a chemical perspective, 1-MCP is a small cyclic olefin compound that appears as a colorless gas at room temperature. Its molecular structure is simple yet it possesses unique biological activity – it can precisely “block” the transmission of ethylene signals within plants.
Ethylene acts like a “ripening commander” for fruits and vegetables, accelerating their softening, discoloration and rotting. The molecular structure of 1-MCP is highly similar to that of ethylene and can bind to ethylene receptors on the surface of plant cells in advance, forming a stable “blocked state”. This combination is like putting a “safety helmet” on the ethylene receptor, preventing true ethylene from transmitting ripening signals and thus delaying the post-ripening process of fruits and vegetables.
It is worth noting that 1-Methylcyclopropene 1-MCP has the characteristic of “high efficiency and low dosage”. Experimental data shows that a concentration of only 0.1 to 1 microliter per liter can produce a significant preservation effect on most fruits and vegetables. Moreover, it is easily degradable in the natural environment and will not remain in the soil or water for a long time, which meets the development needs of green agriculture. At present, more than 30 countries and regions around the world have approved its application in the agricultural field. China has also included it in the category of plant growth regulators permitted for use in the “Food Additive Use Standard”.
Versatile: The “Guardian of Freshness” from the field to the table
In practical applications, the uses of 1-MCP powder have covered the entire chain of fruit and vegetable production, storage, transportation and sales, becoming an indispensable “preservation guardian” in the agricultural product supply chain.
Storage stage: Extend the freshness period and reduce loss
In the past, even if apples were stored in cold storage after harvest, the good fruit rate would drop to 70% after two months. Now, with 1-MCP treatment, the good fruit rate can still be maintained at 92% after 4 months. According to statistics, after 1-Methylcyclopropene is used on pectin fruits such as apples and pears, the average storage period is extended by 2 to 3 times, and the annual loss is reduced by more than 3 million tons.
Transportation link: Break through the “time and space limitations” and expand the sales radius
With the help of 1-Methylcyclopropene 1-MCP technology, the cooperative’s mangoes have successfully entered the northern markets such as Heilongjiang and Jilin, with an annual sales increase of 40%. In the export sector, the role of methylcyclopropene is more significant. When Chinese cherries are exported to Southeast Asian countries, after 1-MCP treatment, the shelf life is extended from 3 days to 10 days, and the average annual growth rate of export volume is 25%.
Retail sector: Maintain freshness and enhance the consumer experience
Entering the fruit and vegetable section of a certain supermarket, the kiwifruit, strawberries, avocados and other fruits on the shelves are all marked with “1-MCP preservation treatment”. Fruits and vegetables treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene have an average shelf life extended by 5 to 7 days and can maintain a good taste and appearance. Not only has waste been reduced, but consumers can also purchase fresher strawberries, and the repurchase rate has increased by 18%.
The future is promising: Technological innovation expands the boundaries of application
With the advancement of technological research and development, the application scenarios of 1-MCP are still constantly expanding. In addition to common fruits and vegetables, it has now been successfully applied in the field of flower preservation. This technology has been promoted in mainstream cut flower varieties such as carnations and lilies, effectively reducing the loss of flowers during transportation and sales.
Meanwhile, to enhance the safety and convenience of use, the enterprise has also launched various forms of 1-MCP products. In addition to traditional gas release agents, solid sustained-release and tablet products have gradually become the mainstream in the market. These products do not require professional equipment, and farmers can use them easily at home.
1-Methylcyclopropene is not only a preservative but also a “technological boost” for promoting high-quality agricultural development. In the future, the promotion of 1-MCP application technology will be further strengthened, guiding enterprises to use it in a standardized manner, so that this “preservation technology” can better serve farmers’ income increase, consumers’ benefits and the upgrading of the agricultural product supply chain.
Is 1-methylcyclopropene safe?
1-methylcyclopropene is a low-toxicity and highly efficient “preservation code”. methylcyclopropene is a small cyclic olefin that is a colorless gas at room temperature. Its core mechanism of action lies in “blocking ethylene signals”. Technical data shows that ethylene, as a “ripening hormone” for plants, can accelerate the post-ripening and softening of fruits and vegetables. 1-MCP can bind to ethylene receptors first and block the sites for a long time, inhibiting the ripening process from the source, which can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by 50% to 200%.
What is more worthy of attention is its safety data: the acute oral and transdermal toxicity LD50 is both greater than 5000mg/kg, meeting the “practically non-toxic” classification standard. The ADI value (acceptable daily intake) is 0.0009mg/kg of body weight. 1-Methylcyclopropene has been approved for application in over 30 countries including China, the United States and Europe. Research indicates that the residue of 1-MCP in fruits and vegetables is extremely low and it is easily degradable. Under normal use, it does not pose a threat to human health.
Unilong is a professional 1-methylcyclopropene suppliers. The purity of the 1-mcp powder we produce can reach 3.7%. It is well known that the industry standard for the purity of 1-mcp is 3.3%. Meanwhile, we can provide micro-doses and small packages of 0.035%. 1-MCP is a gaseous molecule used in supermarket shelves or fruit boxes. After processing, it will completely dissipate and leave no chemical residue on the products.
Post time: Nov-04-2025