This review collects all the published papers related to the postharvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on pear since 2007 to 2013. Currently, 1-MCP is commercially applied in some varieties of pears, while in others, research still continues due to the complexity of the fruit response to the treatment. A variety of factors can affect the application of 1-MCP including fruit maturity and treatment conditions. Other aspects such as the bin material and the cooling method can also play an important role. Depending on the species and cultivar treated, 1-MCP may occur a variety of physiological and biochemical responses and may affect respiration, ethylene production, oxidative metabolism, and some quality changes like color, firmness, acidity and soluble solids. Disorders and diseases can also be affected. This review compiles what is known about the technological uses of 1-MCP on pears, defines where discrepancies exist between reports, and defines areas requiring further study.