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Aghdam MS, Arnao MB. Phytomelatonin: From Intracellular Signaling to Global Horticulture Market. J Pineal Res 2024; 76:e12990. [PMID: 39030989 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a well-known mammalian hormone, has been having a great relevance in the Plant World in recent years. Many of its physiological actions in plants are leading to possible features of agronomic interest, especially those related to improvements in tolerance to stressors and in the postharvest life of fruits and vegetables. Thus, through the exogenous application of melatonin or by modifying the endogenous biosynthesis of phytomelatonin, some change can be made in the functional levels of melatonin in tissues and their responses. Also, acting in the respective phytomelatonin biosynthesis enzymes, regulating the expression of tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H), serotonin N-acetyltransferase (SNAT), N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT), and caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT), and recently the possible action of deacetylases on some intermediates offers promising opportunities for improving fruits and vegetables in postharvest and its marketability. Other regulators/effectors such as different transcription factors, protein kinases, phosphatases, miRNAs, protein-protein interactions, and some gasotransmitters such as nitric oxide or hydrogen sulfide were also considered in an exhaustive vision. Other interesting aspects such as the role of phytomelatonin in autophagic responses, the posttranslational reprogramming by protein-phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, SUMOylation, PARylation, persulfidation, and nitrosylation described in the phytomelatonin-mediated responses were also discussed, including the relationship of phytomelatonin and several plant hormones, for chilling injury and fungal decay alleviating. The current data about the phytomelatonin receptor in plants (CAND2/PMTR1), the effect of UV-B light and cold storage on the postharvest damage are presented and discussed. All this on the focus of a possible new action in the preservation of the quality of fruits and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marino B Arnao
- Phytohormones and Plant Development Laboratory, Department of Plant Biology (Plant Physiology), Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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2
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Chen M, Dai S, Chen D, Chen H, Feng N, Zheng D. Unveiling the translational dynamics of lychee (Litchi chinesis Sonn.) in response to cold stress. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:686. [PMID: 38992605 PMCID: PMC11241792 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10591-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cold stress poses a significant threat to the quality and productivity of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). While previous research has extensively explored the genomic and transcriptomic responses to cold stress in lychee, the translatome has not been thoroughly investigated. This study delves into the translatomic landscape of the 'Xiangjinfeng' cultivar under both control and low-temperature conditions using RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling. We uncovered a significant divergence between the transcriptomic and translatomic responses to cold exposure. Additionally, bioinformatics analyses underscored the crucial role of codon occupancy in lychee's cold tolerance mechanisms. Our findings reveal that the modulation of translation via codon occupancy is a vital strategy to abiotic stress. Specifically, the study identifies ribosome stalling, particularly at the E site AAU codon, as a key element of the translation machinery in lychee's response to cold stress. This work enhances our understanding of the molecular dynamics of lychee's reaction to cold stress and emphasizes the essential role of translational regulation in the plant's environmental adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Chen
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524008, China.
- National Saline-Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, South China, Zhanjiang, 524008, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
| | - Shuangfeng Dai
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524008, China
- National Saline-Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, South China, Zhanjiang, 524008, China
| | - Daming Chen
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524008, China
- National Saline-Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, South China, Zhanjiang, 524008, China
| | - Haomin Chen
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524008, China
- National Saline-Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, South China, Zhanjiang, 524008, China
| | - Naijie Feng
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524008, China.
- National Saline-Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, South China, Zhanjiang, 524008, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
| | - Dianfeng Zheng
- College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524008, China.
- National Saline-Tolerant Rice Technology Innovation Center, South China, Zhanjiang, 524008, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518108, China.
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3
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Zhang M, Yang X, Yin C, Lin X, Liu K, Zhang K, Su Y, Zou X, Liao L, Wang X, He S, He R, Sun G, He J, Xiong B, Wang Z. Effect of exogenous melatonin on antioxidant properties and fruit softening of 'Fengtang' plum fruit ( Prunus salicina Lindl.) during storage at room temperature. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1348744. [PMID: 38510435 PMCID: PMC10950901 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1348744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
'Fengtang' plums soften quickly and lose flavor after harvest. This study comprehensively evaluated the effect of exogenous melatonin on the fruit quality of 'Fengtang' plums. According to our findings, exogenous melatonin prevented plum fruit from losing water, delayed the decline in firmness, and preserved a high TSS/TA level. Additionally, exogenous melatonin also enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased the non-enzymatic antioxidants, thereby further increasing the antioxidant capacity of plum fruit. Notably, exogenous melatonin delayed the degradation of covalent soluble pectin (CSP), cellulose, and hemicellulose, as well as the rise in water-soluble pectin (WSP) concentration and the activity of cell wall degrading enzymes. Further investigation using atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the chain-like structure of ionic-soluble pectin (ISP) and the self-assembly network structures of CSP were depolymerized, and melatonin treatment retarded the depolymerization of pectin structures. Our results showed that exogenous melatonin preserved the postharvest quality of plum fruits by controlling fruit softness and antioxidant capacity during storage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bo Xiong
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
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Guo X, Li Q, Luo T, Han D, Zhu D, Wu Z. Postharvest Calcium Chloride Treatment Strengthens Cell Wall Structure to Maintain Litchi Fruit Quality. Foods 2023; 12:2478. [PMID: 37444216 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit deterioration occurs rapidly after harvest and is characterized by pericarp browning, pulp softening, and decay. In this study, we found that calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatment (5 g L-1 CaCl2 solution vacuum infiltration for 5 min) affected the cell wall component contents and cell wall-degrading enzyme activities of litchi fruit during storage at room temperature. CaCl2 treatment significantly increased the contents of Ca2+ and cellulose, while it decreased the water-soluble pectin content, and the activities of polygalacturonase, β-galactosidase, and cellulase in the litchi pericarp. Meanwhile, the treatment resulted in significantly increased contents of Ca2+, water-soluble pectin, ionic-soluble pectin, covalent-soluble pectin and hemicellulose, and upregulated activities of pectinesterase and β-galactosidase, while significantly decreasing the activities of polygalacturonase and cellulase in litchi pulp. The above results indicate that CaCl2 treatment strengthened the cell wall structure of litchi fruit. More importantly, the enzymatic browning of the pericarp, softening of the pulp, and disease incidence were delayed. The treatment had a more pronounced effect on the pericarp than on the pulp. We consider CaCl2 treatment to be a safe and effective treatment for maintaining the postharvest quality of litchi fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Guo
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables, Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables, Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Tao Luo
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables, Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dongmei Han
- Institute of Fruit Tree Research, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Difa Zhu
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables, Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenxian Wu
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Postharvest Science of Fruits and Vegetables, Engineering Research Center of Southern Horticultural Products Preservation, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Genetic Improvement of Horticultural Crops (South China), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Peng J, Zhu S, Lin X, Wan X, Zhang Q, Njie A, Luo D, Long Y, Fan R, Dong X. Evaluation of Preharvest Melatonin on Soft Rot and Quality of Kiwifruit Based on Principal Component Analysis. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071414. [PMID: 37048235 PMCID: PMC10093534 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Botryosphaeria dothidea is the source of the deadly kiwifruit disease known as soft rot. In order to explore the role of melatonin in regulating the postharvest quality and disease resistance of kiwifruit at different growth and development stages, in this study, we applied melatonin at different concentrations to kiwifruit at the young fruit, expansion, and late expansion stages to assess its effect on fruit resistance to B. dothidea, minimize soft rot, and maintain postharvest fruit quality. The results showed that melatonin significantly suppressed the mycelial growth of B. dothidea, with 1.0 mmol/L melatonin inhibiting it by up to 50%. However, 0.1–0.3 mmol/L melatonin had the best control over soft rot. Furthermore, spraying MT during kiwifruit growth can successfully increase fruit weight; preserve postharvest fruit firmness; reduce respiration intensity in the early stages of storage; delay the rise in soluble solids, while maintaining a high titratable acid content to ensure suitable solid acid ratio; increase total phenol, flavonoid, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and ascorbic acid contents; and delay the rise in soluble sugar contents in the late stages of storage. These results have a positive effect on maintaining the nutritional composition of kiwifruit. However, the effects on weight loss, dry matter content, and soluble protein content were not significant. In addition, the results of the principal component analysis demonstrated that 0.3 mmol/L MT increased kiwifruit’s resistance to soft rot while preserving postharvest fruit quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsen Peng
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Shouliang Zhu
- Guizhou Workstation for Fruit and Vegetables, Guiyang 550025, China;
| | - Xin Lin
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Xuan Wan
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Qin Zhang
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Alagie Njie
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Dengcan Luo
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
| | - Youhua Long
- Engineering and Technology Research Center of Kiwifruit, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Rong Fan
- Engineering and Technology Research Center of Kiwifruit, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaoqing Dong
- Fruit Crops Center of Guizhou Engineering Research, College of Agricultural, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; (J.P.); (A.N.)
- Correspondence:
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Chang Q, Zhang L, Chen S, Gong M, Liu L, Hou X, Mi Y, Wang X, Wang J, Zhang Y, Sun Y. Exogenous Melatonin Enhances the Yield and Secondary Metabolite Contents of Prunella vulgaris by Modulating Antioxidant System, Root Architecture and Photosynthetic Capacity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1129. [PMID: 36903989 PMCID: PMC10005377 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) plays a number of key roles in regulating plant growth and secondary metabolite accumulation. Prunella vulgaris is an important traditional Chinese herbal medicinal plant which is used for the treatment of lymph, goiter, and mastitis. However, the effect of MT on the yield and medicinal component content of P. vulgaris remains still unclear. In this research, we have examined the influence of different concentrations of MT (0, 50, 100, 200, 400 μM) on the physiological characteristics, secondary metabolite contents, and yield of P. vulgaris biomass. The results showed that 50-200 μM MT treatment had a positive effect on P. vulgaris. MT treatment at 100 μM greatly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, the contents of soluble sugar and proline, and obviously decreased the relative electrical conductivity, the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide of leaves. Furthermore, it markedly promoted the growth and development of the root system, increased the content of photosynthetic pigments, improved the performance of photosystems I and II and the coordination of both photosystems, and enhanced the photosynthetic capacity of P. vulgaris. In addition, it significantly increased the dry mass of whole plant and spica and promoted the accumulation of total flavonoids, total phenolics, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside in the spica of P. vulgaris. These findings demonstrated that the application of MT could effectively activate the antioxidant defense system of P. vulgaris, protect the photosynthetic apparatus from photooxidation damage, and improve the photosynthetic capacity and the root absorption capacity, thereby promoting the yield and accumulation of secondary metabolites in P. vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Chang
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Shuangchen Chen
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Minggui Gong
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Longchang Liu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Xiaogai Hou
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Yinfa Mi
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Peony Research Institute, Luoyang Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Jianzhang Wang
- Luoyang Greening Management Center, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Yiming Sun
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
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CaCl 2 treatment effectively delays postharvest senescence of passion fruit. Food Chem 2023; 417:135786. [PMID: 36921365 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.135786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to systematically investigate the changes in peel color, physicochemical characteristics, textural properties, and peel ultrastructure between CaCl2-treated and water-soaked passion fruit under short-term storage at room temperature (20 °C) for eight days. The fruit peel was further analyzed and compared for the differences in calmodulin (CaM) gene expression between the two groups. The data were analyzed using principal component analysis. The results confirmed that CaCl2 treatment effectively maintained the appearance and color of passion fruit, inhibited peel browning, and improved fruit quality. The treatment had an effect on maintaining the physiological properties of passion fruit parenchyma, effectively delayed the passion fruit senescence, and kept the structural integrity of the fruit peel. The relative expression of PeCaM gene in the CaCl2-treated fruit peels was higher than that of the control peels. The Ca2+ stimulated the relative expression of the PeCaM gene, which delayed the senescence of passion fruit.
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Li N, Zhai K, Yin Q, Gu Q, Zhang X, Melencion MG, Chen Z. Crosstalk between melatonin and reactive oxygen species in fruits and vegetables post-harvest preservation: An update. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1143511. [PMID: 36937352 PMCID: PMC10020600 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1143511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fruits and vegetables contain numerous nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and dietary fibers. They reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and the risk of certain chronic diseases, and improve the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. Moreover, melatonin was found in various fruits and vegetables species. Melatonin acts as a multifunctional compound to participate in various physiological processes. In recent years, many advances have been found that melatonin is also appraised as a key modulator on the fruits and vegetables post-harvest preservation. Fruits and vegetables post-harvest usually elicit reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and accumulation. Excess ROS stimulate cell damage, protein structure destruction, and tissue aging, and thereby reducing their quality. Numerous studies find that exogenous application of melatonin modulates ROS homeostasis by regulating the antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants systems. Further evidences reveal that melatonin often interacts with hormones and other signaling molecules, such as ROS, nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and etc. Among these 'new' molecules, crosstalks of melatonin and ROS, especially the H2O2 produced by RBOHs, are provided in fruits and vegetables post-harvest preservation in this review. It will provide reference for complicated integration of both melatonin and ROS as signal molecules in future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Biology Department, Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Philippines
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kefeng Zhai
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center for Development and High Value Utilization of Genuine Medicinal Materials in North Anhui Province, Suzhou, China
| | - Qin Yin
- Biology Department, Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Philippines
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Quan Gu
- School of Biology, Food and Environment, Hefei University, Hefei, China
| | - Xingtao Zhang
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Merced G. Melencion
- Biology Department, Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Philippines
- *Correspondence: Merced G. Melencion, ; Ziping Chen,
| | - Ziping Chen
- Anhui Promotion Center for Technology Achievements Transfer, Anhui Academy of Science and Technology, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Merced G. Melencion, ; Ziping Chen,
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Preservation of Litchi Fruit with Nanosilver Composite Particles (Ag-NP) and Resistance against Peronophythora litchi. Foods 2022; 11:foods11192934. [PMID: 36230009 PMCID: PMC9564286 DOI: 10.3390/foods11192934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is susceptible to infection by Peronophythora litchi post storage, which rapidly decreases the sensory and nutritional quality of the fruit. In this study, the effects of nanosilver (Ag-NP) solution treatment on the shelf life of litchi fruit and the inhibition of P. litchi were examined, and the underlying mechanisms were discussed. For investigations, we used one variety of litchi (‘Feizixiao’), dipping it in different concentrations of Ag-NP solution after harvesting. Meanwhile, we treated P. litchi with different concentrations of Ag-NP solution. According to the data analysis, litchi treated with 400 μg/mL Ag-NPs and stored at 4 °C had the highest health rate and the lowest browning index among all the samples. In the same trend, treatment with 400 μg/mL Ag-NPs produced the best results for anthocyanin content, total soluble solids content, and titratable acidity content. Additionally, according to the results of the inhibition test, 800 μg/mL Ag-NP solution had a 94.97% inhibition rate against P. litchi. Within 2–10 h following exposure to 400 μg/mL Ag-NP solution, the contents of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase in P. litchi gradually increased and peaked, followed by a gradual decline. At this time, the integrity of the cell membrane of P. litchi could be broken by Ag-NP solution, and the sporangia showed deformed germ tubes and abnormal shapes. Taken together, these results suggested that Ag-NP treatment inhibited respiration and P. litchi activity, which might attenuate litchi pericarp browning and prolong the shelf life of litchi. Accordingly, Ag-NPs could be used as an effective antistaling agent in litchi fruit and as an ecofriendly fungicide for the post-harvest control of litchi downy blight. This study provides new insights into the application of Ag-NP as an antistaling agent for fruit storage and as an ecofriendly fungicide.
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