Objective This study evaluated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) combined with 0.02 mm polyethylene (PE) film bagging on the postharvest storage and preservation of Sanhua plums under low-temperature storage.

Method The fruits were subjected to the following treatments: 1-MCP fumigation coupled with 0.02 mm PE film bagging (1-MCP + PE), 0.02 mm PE film bagging alone (PE), and an untreated control (CK). All samples were stored at (6.5 ± 0.5)℃ for 40 days. The changes in appearance quality, nutrient substances, and antioxidant capacity were measured during storage.

Result Compared with the control, the 1-MCP + PE treatment markedly delayed fruit senescence. Specifically, the decline in peel brightness was retarded, and the onset of red coloration was delayed by approximately 30 days. At the end of the 40-day storage period, the browning index of treated fruit was only 14.42% of that in CK, and the weight loss rate was reduced to 32.56% of that observed in the control. The accumulation of total soluble sugars was inhibited, while the soluble protein content remained stable throughout storage. MDA accumulation was significantly suppressed, with the final content 25.45% lower than that of CK. Furthermore, the activities of SOD, CAT, POD, and APX were enhanced in treated fruit; POD activity in the 1-MCP + PE group peaked at day 20, reaching a value 5.13 times that of CK. Consequently, the accumulation of H₂O₂ and O₂∙⁻ was effectively inhibited; at day 30, the O₂∙⁻ content in the treated fruit was only 73.91% of that observed in the control, indicating a delay in oxidative reactions and the resulting retardation of fruit ripening and senescence. In contrast, PE film bagging alone exhibited a significantly weaker preservation effect compared with the combined 1-MCP + PE treatment.

Conclusion The combination of 1-MCP and PE film bagging effectively maintained the storage quality of Sanhua plums under low-temperature conditions, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the improvement of postharvest handling practices for this fruit.