1-Methylcyclopropene is an inhibitor of ethylene perception that is widely used to maintain the quality of several climacteric fruits during storage. A large body of literature now exists on the effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene on climacteric fruit ripening for different species and environmental conditions, presenting an opportunity to use meta-analysis to systematically dissect these effects. 1-Methylcyclopropene inhibits ethylene perception by binding to ethylene receptors to form an ethylene-receptor complex, resulting in delayed fruit ripening. 1-MCP was patented in 1996, followed by rapid registration and commercialization because of its nontoxic mode of action, effectiveness at low concentrations, and easy application as a gas. ‘Empire’ apple fruit are more susceptible to flesh browning at 3.3°C if treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene.
The RMS provided its initial evaluation of the dossier on 1-Methylcyclopropene in the renewal assessment report (RAR), which was received by EFSA on 28 April 2017. The conclusions laid down in this report were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative uses of 1-Methylcyclopropene as a plant growth regulator on apples following indoor post-harvest treatment, as proposed by the applicants. In the section identity, physical/chemical properties and analytical methods, data gaps were identified for additional validation data demonstrating applicability of the submitted methods or new methods for determination of 1-Methylcyclopropene in dry and high oil content commodities; for analytical methods for monitoring of 1-Methylcyclopropene residues in soil and water, and for a monitoring method for analysis of the active substance in body fluids and tissues. Pending confirmation of the absorption of 1-Methylcyclopropene after inhalation exposure. In the section on residues, no data gaps or critical areas of concern for the representative use of 1-methylcyclopropene were identified evaluated on the basis of the representative uses of 1-methylcyclopropene as a plant growth regulator on apples following indoor post-harvest treatment, as proposed by the applicants. IUPAC name of the active substance is 1-Methylcyclopropene. Since the name is reasonably short, a common name (ISO) is deemed unnecessary; however, 1-Methylcyclopropene is an unofficial abbreviation used. 1-Methylcyclopropene is a gas, which at high concentration is chemically unstable and begins to self-react immediately. Data were submitted to conclude that the representative uses of 1-Methylcyclopropene proposed at EU level result in a sufficient efficacy as a plant growth regulator following the guidance document SANCO/2012/11251-rev.