1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) | Plant Growth Regulator

Active Ingredient	1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)
Available Formulations	3.3% DP, 2% DP, Tablets, Sachets
Mode of Action	Binds to ethylene receptors and blocks ripening signal
Application Method	Airtight fumigation (0.5–1.0 ppm for 12–24 hours)
Application Sites	Cold storage rooms, shipping containers, ripening chambers
Target Crops	Apples, pears, bananas, mangoes, tomatoes, broccoli, orchids, flowers
Key Benefits	Delays ripening and senescence No residue, MRL-compliant Improves shelf life and market value Safe for organic use in some regions
Recommended Conditions	Temperature: 5–25°C, Humidity: 60–95%, Airtight environment
Common Packaging	Foil sachets (50mg–500mg) Plastic jars (100g–1kg) Tablets/disks (1–5g) Bulk cartons (OEM/B2B)
OEM Services	Custom labels, logos, packaging Multi-language printing (EN/ES/FR/RU/CN/etc.) COA, SDS, registration support Anti-counterfeit packaging (QR code, holograms)
Storage & Shelf Life	Store at 5–25°C, sealed & dry. Shelf life: 12–24 months
MOQ	Flexible (from trial packs to bulk)
Sample	Available upon request for evaluation and registration

How 1-MCP Works: Blocking Ethylene to Delay Ripening and Extend Shelf Life

What is 1-MCP?
1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) is a synthetic plant growth regulator that inhibits the effects of ethylene, a natural hormone responsible for ripening, senescence, and spoilage in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Ethylene: The Invisible Trigger of Post-Harvest Loss

Ethylene is a gas released by produce during storage and shipping that accelerates:

• Softening
• Color change
• Aroma development
• Decay and yellowing
• Over-ripening and senescence

This means that without control, ethylene exposure leads to shortened shelf life and higher losses—especially during long-distance export or in warm climates.

1-MCP’s Mode of Action

1-MCP works by binding to ethylene receptors in plant cells—essentially “blocking the switch” that ethylene uses to signal ripening.

Step	Function
1. Fumigation	1-MCP is released into an airtight environment with the produce
2. Receptor Binding	1-MCP binds irreversibly to ethylene receptors on the fruit surface
3. Signal Disruption	Ethylene can no longer trigger its normal physiological effects
4. Result	Ripening slows significantly, respiration rate drops, and freshness is preserved

This mechanism makes 1-MCP an ethylene inhibitor, not an ethylene remover. It prevents ethylene from being detected, not from being produced.

Systemic Protection Without Residue

• 1-MCP acts in the air—not on the fruit surface
• Leaves no detectable residue, making it suitable for fresh markets with strict MRL limits
• Compatible with organic production (in some jurisdictions)

That’s why 1-MCP apples and 1-methylcyclopropene-treated fruit arrive in better shape, with more time to sell and less spoilage at destination.

Target Crops and Applications: Where 1-MCP Makes a Measurable Difference

1-MCP is used across a wide range of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and ornamentals—especially those that are sensitive to ethylene exposure. Whether applied in cold storage, shipping containers, or ripening rooms, 1-MCP products help maintain firmness, reduce decay, and extend market window.

Fruits: Preserving Color, Texture, and Shelf Life

Crop	Benefits of 1-MCP Treatment
Apples	Prevents softening, maintains crunch and color; widely used in long-term CA (Controlled Atmosphere) storage
Pears	Delays internal browning and mealiness; slows loss of firmness
Peaches & Nectarines	Delays over-ripening and shriveling; ideal for export shipments
Bananas	Reduces premature ripening during ocean transport
Kiwifruit	Maintains firmness; reduces ethylene-triggered rapid softening
Mangoes	Controls uneven ripening and skin breakdown during transit
Citrus (Oranges, Lemons)	Delays rind aging and preserves skin brightness
Grapes	Reduces stem browning and dehydration during cold storage
Melons (Cantaloupe, Honeydew)	Delays aroma development and over-softening

Vegetables: Extending Marketability

Crop	Use Case
Tomatoes	Keeps fruit firm and slows color change during transit
Cucumbers & Peppers	Reduces yellowing and shriveling in export cartons
Broccoli & Asparagus	Delays yellowing and head softening
Chili Peppers	Maintains skin strength and visual appeal
Mushrooms (King oyster, shiitake)	Delays browning and cap opening in cold chain

Floriculture: Protecting Visual Appeal

Product	Effect
Orchids, Cut Flowers	Delays petal drop and yellowing; improves vase life
Fresh-cut greens	Maintains color and slows ethylene-induced deterioration

1-MCP and Export Supply Chains

• Used in pre-shipment fumigation chambers to preserve quality
• Essential for controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of apples and pears
• Helps fruits arrive in premium condition even after 4–6 weeks of shipping
• Can be applied in containerized fumigation units during loading

If you export or store high-value perishables, 1-MCP ensures your crop stays market-ready longer—with less waste, less shrinkage, and more profit.

Application Method and Dosage: How to Use 1-MCP Effectively

1-MCP products are typically applied via airtight fumigation, allowing the active gas to circulate and bind to ethylene receptors on fruit and vegetable surfaces. This process must be conducted in sealed environments—such as cold storage rooms, shipping containers, or ripening chambers—to ensure uniform exposure.

Standard Application Parameters

Parameter	Recommendation
Concentration	0.5–1.0 ppm of 1-MCP in enclosed space
Exposure Time	12–24 hours depending on temperature and commodity
Optimal Temperature	5°C to 25°C (Do not exceed 30°C)
Relative Humidity	60–95% for most fruits and vegetables
Treatment Environment	Must be 100% airtight; no airflow during exposure

Application Procedure (Using 1-MCP Powder or Sachets)

• Prepare the Room or Container
  • Seal the chamber fully (cold room, ripening room, container)
  • Ensure uniform stacking and good air circulation inside
• Calculate Dosage
  • Determine air volume (cubic meters) of the chamber
  • Example: For 100 m³ room, use 1-MCP dose to achieve 1.0 ppm
• Release the 1-MCP
  • Place the 1-MCP powder sachet or tablet in a water activation tray
  • Pour warm water (typically 35–45°C) over the sachet to begin gas release
  • Quickly exit and seal the room to contain the gas
• Hold Time
  • Keep the space sealed for 12–24 hours depending on commodity
  • Avoid opening doors or ventilation during treatment
• Ventilation & Post-Treatment
  • After treatment time, ventilate the room thoroughly for 30–60 minutes
  • No washing or rinsing required—1-MCP leaves no residue

Special Handling Tips

• Always wear gloves and avoid inhaling direct vapors
• Store 1-MCP powder or 1-MCP sachets in a cool, dry place before use
• Do not use in open-air environments or with airflow—containment is critical
• For small volumes, pre-dosed sachets simplify use and prevent overapplication

Sample Calculation:

For a 500 m³ storage room targeting 0.8 ppm concentration:

• Required active = 0.8 ppm × 500 m³ = 400 mg of 1-MCP gas
• Use appropriate amount of 3.3% DP powder based on formulation ratio

1-MCP treatment is simple, safe, and effective—when done in the right environment with proper dosage.

Advantages and Technical Features: Why 1-MCP Is the Industry Standard for Freshness

From orchard to overseas retail shelf, 1-MCP products help reduce postharvest losses, protect visual and nutritional quality, and improve supply chain flexibility. Here’s why 1-Methylcyclopropene is widely adopted by growers, exporters, and cold storage operators worldwide.

1. Powerful Ethylene Inhibition

• Blocks ethylene perception at the receptor level, not just absorption
• Works on a cellular level, preventing the cascade of ripening signals
• Provides long-lasting freshness without repeated applications

2. No Residue, No Washing Required

• Acts as a gas—no direct contact with fruit or vegetable skin
• Leaves zero visible or chemical residue after treatment
• Compliant with international MRL and food safety standards

Perfect for markets with strict residue limits or premium retail expectations.

3. Versatile Across Crops and Conditions

• Works on a wide range of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and cut flowers
• Effective across varied temperatures and humidity levels
• Compatible with storage and shipping at ambient, refrigerated, or controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions

4. Extended Shelf Life = Greater Commercial Value

• Delays softening, yellowing, wilting, decay, and shriveling
• Reduces losses during shipping, customs delays, and retail display
• Increases marketable volume and lowers return rates

5. Easy-to-Use, Flexible Format

• Available in powder sachets, solid tablets, or bulk formulations
• Simple activation with water—no special equipment required
• Ideal for farm packers, storage warehouses, exporters, and retailers

6. OEM & Global Supply Support

• Private label available: multilingual design, custom dose, logo integration
• Full documentation: COA, SDS, usage guides, and field protocol support
• Bulk pricing and flexible MOQ for both established and emerging markets

7. Cost-Efficient & Scalable

• One small sachet treats entire containers or storage rooms
• Low application cost relative to reduced waste and shelf-life extension
• Excellent ROI for high-value perishables like apples, mangoes, berries, and flowers

Whether you’re protecting 1-MCP apples for overseas markets or maintaining color in orchids, this solution offers measurable results with minimal effort.

Formulations and OEM Options: Scalable Solutions for Global Postharvest Needs

1-MCP is available in several user-friendly formats to meet the needs of fresh produce exporters, storage operators, packaging centers, and private-label agrochemical brands. Whether you’re treating a single cold room or outfitting a national supply chain, we provide the right formulation, packaging, and documentation to make your operations seamless.

Available Formulations

Formulation	Description	Best Use
3.3% DP (Dry Powder)	High-purity active content for precise fumigation dosing	Commercial fruit storage, shipping containers
2% DP (Dry Powder)	Balanced for medium-volume fumigation	Small cold rooms or air-tight retail storage
1-MCP Tablets or Disks	Solid-state slow release	Research, floral use, or low-volume sealed crates
1-MCP Sachets	Pre-measured water-activated packs	Plug-and-play use in shipping or ripening chambers

All formulations are designed for clean release, stable storage, and efficient activation in commercial environments.

Packaging Options

Pack Type	Available Sizes	Suitable For
Foil Sachets	50mg, 100mg, 250mg, 500mg	Pre-measured for 10–100 m³ chambers
Plastic Jars	100g, 500g, 1kg powder	For custom dosing by technical users
Tablets/Disks	1g, 2g, 5g	For cut flower or crate-sized applications
Bulk Cartons	OEM & B2B orders	Agricultural distributors, smartfresh equivalents

All packaging includes:

• Humidity-proof, gas-tight sealing
• Printed or blank labels (OEM-ready)
• Batch tracking & shelf-life markings
• Export-compliant GHS hazard labeling

OEM / Private Label Services

We support agrochemical distributors and fruit industry suppliers with full white-label customization:

• Custom labels, logos, and colors
• Multi-language printing (English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, etc.)
• Product documentation support (COA, SDS, technical specs, registration files)
• Flexible MOQ: from trial batch to large-scale volume
• Anti-counterfeit options: QR traceability, hologram stickers, serialized codes

Whether you need a branded 1-MCP smartfresh equivalent or a custom solution for your citrus line—we deliver on time, to spec, and ready to perform.

Storage, Safety, and Environmental Handling

1-MCP is a low-dose, high-efficiency postharvest solution—but like all ethylene inhibitors and gas-releasing agents, it must be handled and stored correctly to ensure both product stability and operational safety.

Safe Storage Guidelines

Factor	Instruction
Temperature	Store between 5°C and 25°C in a cool, dry place
Humidity	Keep sealed and protect from moisture before use (especially powders and sachets)
Light	Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
Packaging Integrity	Do not open pouches until ready to use; maintain original sealing
Shelf Life	Typically 12–24 months, depending on formulation and storage conditions

Moisture-activated sachets should only be opened immediately before application. Premature exposure will trigger gas release and deactivate the product.

Safety and Handling Measures

• Wear gloves and protective mask when handling powder or preparing activation trays
• Avoid direct inhalation of released 1-MCP gas
• Use only in sealed, well-controlled environments (no open-air use)
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling sachets or jars
• Keep out of reach of children, pets, and non-trained personnel

First Aid and Emergency

Incident	First Response
Inhalation	Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if discomfort occurs
Skin contact	Wash with water and soap; remove contaminated clothing
Eye contact	Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes
Ingestion (rare)	Do not induce vomiting; seek medical assistance

Environmental Considerations

• 1-MCP is non-toxic to plants, soil, and water when used as directed
• Leaves no environmental residue after use
• Empty sachets or packaging can be disposed as solid waste after triple rinse or gas release
• Do not release unused product in open-air spaces or near ventilation systems

Transport and Regulatory Compliance

• Classified as non-flammable and non-corrosive
• Transported as agricultural chemical (dry formulation)—not gas or liquid
• UN and GHS compliant labels on all export packaging
• Compatible with air, sea, and land freight routes; SDS and COA provided

When properly stored and used, 1-MCP chemical offers a safe, clean, and powerful way to control ethylene without compromising environmental safety or worker health.

FAQ & Buyer’s Guide

What is 1-MCP and how does it work?

1-MCP (1-Methylcyclopropene) is an ethylene inhibitor that blocks the hormone receptors in fruits and vegetables, delaying ripening, softening, and decay. It acts as a gas in sealed environments, helping preserve firmness, color, and freshness.

What are 1-MCP products used for?

1-MCP is widely used on:

• Apples, pears, kiwifruit, bananas, mangoes
• Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, broccoli
• Cut flowers and mushrooms
  It’s applied postharvest to extend storage life and reduce losses during shipping.

How is 1-MCP applied?

• Place 1-MCP sachets or tablets in a sealed room or container
• Activate with warm water (if powder or sachet)
• Hold the room sealed for 12–24 hours
• Air out afterward—no rinsing needed, no residue left

Is 1-MCP safe?

Yes. It’s:

• Non-toxic, non-corrosive, and safe when used correctly
• Leaves no chemical residue on treated crops
• Approved in major markets under strict residue regulations (EU, US, LATAM, Asia)

What is the difference between 3.3% DP and 2% DP?

Both are dry powder formulations:

• 3.3% DP: Higher concentration, ideal for large-scale cold storage
• 2% DP: Medium concentration, suitable for small rooms or short-term use

We also offer 1-MCP sachets and slow-release tablets based on your storage environment.

Can I add 1-MCP to fruit wax?

Research is ongoing into microencapsulated 1-MCP for wax coating integration, but current commercial use is based on gas-phase fumigation only. Please consult for updates if you’re in postharvest R&D.

Where can I buy 1-MCP? What is the price?

We offer:

• 1-MCP sachets and powder in customizable doses
• OEM/private label options with your brand and documentation
• Flexible MOQ and FOB/CIF pricing based on destination

1-MCP price depends on:

• Product strength (e.g., 3.3% DP vs. 2% DP)
• Quantity and packaging type
• Delivery location and required documentation

What support do you provide?

We offer:

• COA, SDS, TDS, and application guides
• OEM branding and multilingual packaging
• Logistic coordination and export compliance
• Technical training for new users or distributors

Start Fresh with 1-MCP

Whether you’re a packhouse manager, importer, or agricultural brand owner, our 1-MCP solutions help you protect your produce, reduce waste, and meet premium quality standards in local and global markets.

Contact us now to request samples, get a quote, or launch your own 1-MCP product line.