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Wang Y, Hu Y, Ren H, Zhao X, Yuan Z. Integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, and functional analyses unravel the mechanism of bagging delaying fruit cracking of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). Food Chem 2024; 451:139384. [PMID: 38692235 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139384] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The economic impact of fruit cracking in pomegranate products is substantial. In this study, we present the inaugural comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome in the outermost pericarp of pomegranate fruit in bagging conditions. Our investigation revealed a notable upregulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the calcium signaling pathway (76.92%) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes (87.50%) in the fruit peel of non-cracking fruit under bagging. Metabolomic analysis revealed that multiple phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were identified in pomegranate. Among these, calmodulin-like 23 (PgCML23) exhibited a significant correlation with triterpenoids and demonstrated a marked upregulation under bagging treatment. The transgenic tomatoes overexpressing PgCML23 exhibited significantly higher cellulose content and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) enzyme activity in the pericarp at the red ripening stage compared to the wild type. Conversely, water-soluble pectin content, polygalacturonase (PG), and β-galactosidase (β-GAL) enzyme activities were significantly lower in the transgenic tomatoes. Importantly, the heterologous expression of PgCML23 led to a substantial reduction in the fruit cracking rate in tomatoes. Our findings highlight the reduction of fruit cracking in bagging conditions through the manipulation of PgCML23 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Yaping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Innovation and Utilization, Institute of Subtropical Crops of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wenzhou 325005, China
| | - Hongfang Ren
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Xueqing Zhao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Zhaohe Yuan
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China.
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Montazerinezhad S, Solouki M, Emamjomeh A, Kavousi K, Taheri A, Shiri Y. Transcriptomic analysis of alternative splicing events for different stages of growth and development in Sistan Yaghooti grape clusters. Gene 2024; 896:148030. [PMID: 38008270 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148030] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Sistan Yaghooti grape variety, despite characteristics such as early ripening, is vulnerable to cluster rot due to small berries and dense clusters. In this regard, AS may serve as a regulatory mechanism during developmental processes and in response to environmental signals. RNA-Seq analysis was performed to measure gene expression and the extent of AS events in the cluster growth and development stages of Sistan Yaghooti grape. The number of AS events increased during stages, suggesting that it contributes to the grapevine's adaptability to various stresses. In addition, DEG and DAS genes showed little overlap in cluster growth stages. Functional analysis of 19,194 DAS -gene sets showed that VIT_06s0004g06670 gene is involved in the activation of calcium channels (Ca2+) through the activation of 5 PLC biosynthetic pathways. Among the 27,229 DEG -sets, VIT_07s0005g05320 gene showed higher expression. Interestingly, this gene is involved in the synthesis of an EF -hand domain-containing protein capable of binding to Ca2+ by activating 4 biochemical pathways. These genes increase cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, enhancing plant stress tolerance and resistance to cracking. These results show that AS can respond independently to different types of stress. Among the other DAS genes, the GA2ox gene (VvGA2ox) showed an increase in AS events during cluster development. This gene is critical for initiating the degradation process of GA and plays a crucial role in different stages of seed development. Therefore, it is very likely that this gene is one of the main factors responsible for the density and seedlessness of Sistan Yaghooti grape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Montazerinezhad
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (PBB), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Mahmood Solouki
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (PBB), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Abbasali Emamjomeh
- Department of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology (PBB), Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran; Laboratory of Computational Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.
| | - Kaveh Kavousi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), Department of Bioinformatics, Laboratory of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taheri
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tenn, United States
| | - Yasoub Shiri
- Agronomy and Plant Breeding Department, Agriculture Research Center, Zabol Research Institute, Zabol, Iran; Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran
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La Spada P, Dominguez E, Continella A, Heredia A, Gentile A. Factors influencing fruit cracking: an environmental and agronomic perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1343452. [PMID: 38434425 PMCID: PMC10904461 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1343452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Fruit cracking, a widespread physiological disorder affecting various fruit crops and vegetables, has profound implications for fruit quality and marketability. This mini review delves into the multifaceted factors contributing to fruit cracking and emphasizes the pivotal roles of environmental and agronomic factors in its occurrence. Environmental variables such as temperature, relative humidity, and light exposure are explored as determinants factors influencing fruit cracking susceptibility. Furthermore, the significance of mineral nutrition and plant growth regulators in mitigating fruit cracking risk is elucidated, being calcium deficiency identified as a prominent variable in various fruit species. In recent years, precision farming and monitoring systems have emerged as valuable tools for managing environmental factors and optimizing fruit production. By meticulously tracking parameters such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and fruit skin temperature, growers can make informed decisions to prevent or alleviate fruit cracking. In conclusion, effective prevention of fruit cracking necessitates a comprehensive approach that encompasses both environmental and agronomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo La Spada
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A) - Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Eva Dominguez
- Departamento de Mejora Genética y Biotecnología, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, Universidad de Málaga - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Continella
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A) - Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Heredia
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora, Universidad de Málaga - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Dipartimento Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente (Di3A) - Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
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Hu Y, Li Y, Zhu B, Huang W, Chen J, Wang F, Chen Y, Wang M, Lai H, Zhou Y. Genome-wide identification of the expansin gene family in netted melon and their transcriptional responses to fruit peel cracking. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1332240. [PMID: 38322822 PMCID: PMC10846642 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1332240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Fruit cracking not only affects the appearance of netted melons (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Naud.) but also decreases their marketability. Methods Herein, to comprehensively understand the role of expansin (EXP) proteins in netted melon, bioinformatics methods were employed to discover the EXP gene family in the melon genome and analyze its characteristic features. Furthermore, transcriptomics analysis was performed to determine the expression patterns of melon EXP (CmEXP) genes in crack-tolerant and crack-susceptible netted melon varieties. Discussion Thirty-three CmEXP genes were identified. Chromosomal location analysis revealed that CmEXP gene distribution was uneven on 12 chromosomes. In addition, phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that CmEXP genes could be categorized into four subgroups, among which the EXPA subgroup had the most members. The same subgroup members shared similar protein motifs and gene structures. Thirteen duplicate events were identified in the 33 CmEXP genes. Collinearity analysis revealed that the CmEXP genes had 50, 50, and 44 orthologous genes with EXP genes in cucumber, watermelon, and Arabidopsis, respectively. However, only nine orthologous EXP genes were observed in rice. Promoter cis-acting element analysis demonstrated that numerous cis-acting elements in the upstream promoter region of CmEXP genes participate in plant growth, development, and environmental stress responses. Transcriptomics analysis revealed 14 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the non-cracked fruit peels between the crack-tolerant variety 'Xizhoumi 17' (N17) and the crack-susceptible variety 'Xizhoumi 25' (N25). Among the 14 genes, 11 were upregulated, whereas the remaining three were downregulated in N17. In the non-cracked (N25) and cracked (C25) fruit peels of 'Xizhoumi 25', 24 DEGs were identified, and 4 of them were upregulated, whereas the remaining 20 were downregulated in N25. In the two datasets, only CmEXPB1 exhibited consistently upregulated expression, indicating its importance in the fruit peel crack resistance of netted melon. Transcription factor prediction revealed 56 potential transcription factors that regulate CmEXPB1 expression. Results Our study findings enrich the understanding of the CmEXP gene family and present candidate genes for the molecular breeding of fruit peel crack resistance of netted melon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Hu
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- The Institute of Vegetables, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hainan Province, Hainan Vegetable Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Haikou, China
| | - Yuxin Li
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
- The Institute of Vegetables, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hainan Province, Hainan Vegetable Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Haikou, China
| | - Baibi Zhu
- The Institute of Vegetables, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hainan Province, Hainan Vegetable Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Haikou, China
| | - Wenfeng Huang
- The Institute of Vegetables, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hainan Province, Hainan Vegetable Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Haikou, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Yisong Chen
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- The Institute of Vegetables, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hainan Province, Hainan Vegetable Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Haikou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Sanya Institute, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- The Institute of Vegetables, Hainan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biology of Hainan Province, Hainan Vegetable Breeding Engineering Technology Research Center, Haikou, China
| | - Hanggui Lai
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry (School of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, School of Rural Revitalization), Key Laboratory for Quality Regulation of Tropical Horticultural Crops of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
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Huang S, Yang X, Wang T, Li H, Deng L, Bi X, Hu J, Gong Y, Li Y, Qin Z, Yao Y, Sun G, Liao L, Zhang M, He S, Jiang L, Wang Z. Physiological Mechanisms of Citrus Fruit Cracking: Study on Cell Wall Components, Osmoregulatory Substances, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:257. [PMID: 38256810 PMCID: PMC10820700 DOI: 10.3390/plants13020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Fruit cracking affects both the yield and economic efficiency of citrus; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study focused on resistant and susceptible cultivars to identify the mechanisms underlying fruit cracking. The results showed that in 'Mingrijian', pectin morphological transformation and hemicellulose and lignin degradation in the pericarp were important contributing factors. During the critical fruit-cracking period (115-150 days after flowering), the water-soluble pectin, protopectin, and lignin contents in the pericarp of 'Daya' presented inverse changes relative to those in 'Mingrijian', thus enhancing the mechanical properties and resistance of pericarp. From 115 to 150 days after flowering, the soluble sugar content in the pulp of 'Mingrijian' increased rapidly by 97.35%, aiding in pulp water absorption and expansion. Moreover, the soluble protein content in the pericarp of 'Mingrijian' exhibited a declining trend and was lower than that of 'Daya', thus affecting the overall metabolism. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the pericarp of 'Mingrijian' gradually decreased from 115 to 180 days after flowering, while the peroxidase (POD) activity remained at a low level, resulting in weaker antioxidant capacity and lower environmental resistance. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of citrus fruit cracking, laying the foundation for preventive and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengjia Huang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Economic Forest Research, Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu 610081, China
| | - Xinxia Yang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Tie Wang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Hang Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lijun Deng
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xiaoyi Bi
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Juan Hu
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Gong
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yunjie Li
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zeyu Qin
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuan Yao
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Guochao Sun
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ling Liao
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Mingfei Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Siya He
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lingping Jiang
- Agricultural and Rural Bureau, Shimian, Ya’an 625400, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Institute of Pomology and Olericulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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Shi H, Zhou WH, Xu YY, He XE, He FY, Wang Y. Effect of calcium spray at flowering combined with post-harvest 1-MCP treatment on the preservation of grapes. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19918. [PMID: 37809379 PMCID: PMC10559319 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
These tests were carried out to find out how calcium and 1-MCP treatment affected the preservation of grapes, as grapes are highly susceptible to decay during post-harvest storage. The grapes were treated with 5 g/L calcium at the flowering stage, followed by 1 μL/L 1-MCP treatment after harvesting. When grapevines were treated with a combination of calcium and 1-MCP, the marketable fruit rate (At day 56 of storage, the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treatment group was still 93%, an increase of 29.03% compared to the control group.) and quality improved (At day 28 of storage, the VC content of the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treated group was 4.35 mg/100g, an increase of 25.01% compared to the control group.), while the fruit weight loss rate decreased (At day 56 of storage, the weight loss of the control group was 6.97%, an increase of 39.43% compared to the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treated group.). According to the experimental results, there are several reasons for this. First, in the early stages of fruit storage, the concentration of soluble pectin and soluble fiber, as well as the activities of pectinase and cellulase (related gene levels) were decreased. Secondly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was increased, while MDA content was decreased. Third, during fruit storage, the respiratory intensity and ethylene release rate were reduced, as was the activity of energy metabolism enzymes. As a result, the aging and deterioration of the fruit during storage were delayed. Principal component analysis revealed that the calcium and 1-MCP combination therapy slowed the decline in grape berry quality, followed by the calcium-treated and 1-MCP-treated fruits. In contrast, grape berry quality declined the most rapidly in the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied technology University, Changde, China
| | - Wen hua Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Yin yu Xu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao e He
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied technology University, Changde, China
| | - Fu yin He
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied technology University, Changde, China
| | - Yun Wang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Hunan University of Arts and Science, Changde, China
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 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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Zhu M, Yu J, Wang R, Zeng Y, Kang L, Chen Z. Nano-calcium alleviates the cracking of nectarine fruit and improves fruit quality. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2023; 196:370-380. [PMID: 36746008 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To explore the use of L-aspartic acid nano-calcium (nano-Ca) to reduce nectarine fruit-cracking, we sprayed the crack-susceptible nectarine cultivar 'Huaguang' [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nectarina (Ait.) Maxim.] with nano-Ca. The results showed that nano-Ca could reduce the fruit-cracking percentage of nectarine by more than 20%. Nano-Ca was effective because it increased the calcium pectinate content of the peel, reduced the activity of cell-wall metabolic enzymes, and changed the peel structure and enhanced its toughness. We also found that nano-Ca enhanced calmodulin activity in leaves, upregulated key genes of sucrose synthesis in leaves and sucrose transport in stem phloem, and significantly increased the soluble sugar content in the fruit by more than 2%. In addition, Nano-Ca also enhanced calmodulin activity in peel and up-regulated key genes related to anthocyanin-synthesis, promoting anthocyanin accumulation in the peel. The result will lay a theoretical foundation for the physiological and molecular mechanisms of nectarine-cracking and its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Zhu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, China; Horticulture College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
| | - Jun Yu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, China; Horticulture College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Horticulture College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China
| | - Yongxian Zeng
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, China
| | - Linfeng Kang
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, China
| | - Zhiyin Chen
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi, 417000, China; Horticulture College, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, 410128, China.
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9
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Santos M, Egea-Cortines M, Gonçalves B, Matos M. Molecular mechanisms involved in fruit cracking: A review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1130857. [PMID: 36937999 PMCID: PMC10016354 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1130857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Several fleshy fruits are highly affected by cracking, a severe physiological disorder that compromises their quality and causes high economical losses to the producers. Cracking can occur due to physiological, genetic or environmental factors and may happen during fruit growth, development and ripening. Moreover, in fleshy fruits, exocarp plays an important role, acting as a mechanical protective barrier, defending against biotic or abiotic factors. Thus, when biochemical properties of the cuticle + epidermis + hypodermis are affected, cracks appear in the fruit skin. The identification of genes involved in development such as cell wall modifications, biosynthesis and transport of cuticular waxes, cuticular membrane deposition and associated transcription factors provides new insights to better understand how fruit cracking is affected by genetic factors. Amongst the major environmental stresses causing cracking are excessive water during fruit development, leading to imbalances in cations such as Ca. This review focus on expression of key genes in these pathways, in their influence in affected fruits and the potential for molecular breeding programs, aiming to develop cultivars more resistant to cracking under adverse environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Santos
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Marcos Egea-Cortines
- Instituto de Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Berta Gonçalves
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Department of Biology and Environment (DeBA), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Manuela Matos
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology (DGB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production (Inov4Agro), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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10
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Yu J, Wang R, Ma W, Lei S, Zhu M, Yang G. Pectate Lyase Gene VvPL1 Plays a Role in Fruit Cracking of Table Grapes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:1643-1654. [PMID: 36638364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fruit cracking seriously affects the commercial value of table grapes. To explore whether cell wall disassembly influences grape berry cracking, first, the differences in the cell wall metabolism were compared between cracking-resistant "Shennongjinhuanghou" (SN) and cracking-susceptible "Xiangfei" (XF) varieties. Our results showed that cell wall disassembly events were extremely different between "SN" and "XF." The cracking-resistant "SN" had a higher pectinmethylesterase activity in the early stage and lower polygalacturonase, β-galactosidase, pectate lyase, and cellulase activities from veraison, cooperatively yielding higher ionically bound pectin, covalently bound pectin, hemicellulose, and lower water-soluble pectin, leading to a stronger skin break force and elasticity and conferring "SN" with higher cracking resistance. Furthermore, the function of the VvPL1 gene in fruit cracking was verified by heterologously transforming tomatoes. The transgenic experiment showed that overexpressed fruits had a higher activity of pectate lyase from the breaking stage and a lower level of covalently bound pectin, ionically bound pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose and a higher level of water-soluble pectin at the red ripe stage, which resulted in a significantly reduced skin break force and flesh firmness and increased fruit cracking incidences. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that the cracking susceptibility of the grape berry is closely related to cell wall disassembly events and VvPL1 plays an important role in fruit cracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yu
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Nongda Road No. 1, Furong District, Changsha410128, Hunan, China
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi417000, Hunan, China
| | - Rong Wang
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Nongda Road No. 1, Furong District, Changsha410128, Hunan, China
| | - Wentao Ma
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Nongda Road No. 1, Furong District, Changsha410128, Hunan, China
| | - Shumin Lei
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Nongda Road No. 1, Furong District, Changsha410128, Hunan, China
| | - Mingtao Zhu
- College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi417000, Hunan, China
| | - Guoshun Yang
- College of Horticulture, Hunan Agricultural University, Nongda Road No. 1, Furong District, Changsha410128, Hunan, China
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11
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Huai B, Wu Y, Liang C, Tu P, Mei T, Guan A, Yao Q, Li J, Chen J. Effects of calcium on cell wall metabolism enzymes and expression of related genes associated with peel creasing in Citrus fruits. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14574. [PMID: 36570013 PMCID: PMC9784343 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fruit peel creasing is a serious pre-harvest physiological disorder in citrus, influencing fruit quality, storage, and yield. Four- and eight-year-old 'Hongjiang' oranges grafted onto Canton lemon rootstocks were treated with calcium and calcium inhibitors, respectively, to study the effects of different treatments on fruit creasing rate, mechanical properties of the peel, cell wall metabolism enzyme activities, and the expression of related genes. Foliar application of 0.5% calcium nitrate significantly reduced the fruit creasing rate, while treatment with EGTA and LaCl3, inhibitors of calcium uptake, increased the fruit creasing rate; But the effect of calcium nitrate treatment on changing the mechanical properties of pericarp and inhibiting the activity of hydrolase (PG, Cx and PE) was not very significant. Furthermore, it was observed that the expression levels of genes (PG, Cx, and PE) encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes were significantly lower in the normal fruit peel than in the creased fruit peel. Meanwhile, the expression levels of PG, Cx, and PE were higher in the peel of shaded fruit than in the peel of exposed fruit. During the high incidence period of fruit creasing, calcium nitrate treatment down-regulated the expression of PG, Cx, and PE, while EGTA treatment up-regulated the expression of these genes. In conclusion, foliar spraying of calcium nitrate at the fruit rapid enlargement stage can increase the Ca content in the peel of 'Hongjiang' orange and significantly suppress the expression of cell wall degrading enzymes genes (PG, PE and Cx) in 'Hongjiang' orange peel during the high occurrence period of fruit creasing, resulting in reducing the occurrence of fruit creasing and cracking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huai
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunli Wu
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunhui Liang
- Guangdong Agriculture Industry Business Polytechnic College, Guangzhou, China
| | - Panfeng Tu
- Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Mei
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anquan Guan
- Lianjiang Fruit Development Center, Lianjiang, China
| | - Qing Yao
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Tait G, Mermer S, Chave RDB, Rossi-Stacconi MV, Kaiser C, Walton VM. A Horticultural Cuticle Supplement Can Impact Quality Characters and Drosophila suzukii Damage of Several Small and Stone Fruit. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:772-779. [PMID: 35834241 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Surface wax and other cellular building blocks play an important role in preserving fruit integrity from biotic and abiotic adversities. Huge energy expenses are made by plants to place these protective compounds onto the epidermal cuticle. Sprayable plant and fruit coatings have been developed to protect plant tissues from environmental stresses, pathogens, and arthropods. The aim of this study was to determine if an experimental cuticle supplement containing waxes can affect fruit quality parameters such as firmness and size of various crops. Cherry, blueberry, and winegrape plants treated with the cuticle supplement showed significant increases in berry firmness ranging from 4.6 to 11.6%. No quality benefits were however observed on blackberry. Cuticle supplement applications did not significantly affect berry size. Laboratory trials resulted in a 54% mean reduction in a model pest insect i.e., Drosophila suzukii egg laying on blueberry. Short-duration field trials over 72 ± 2 to 96 ± 2 h on commercial-standard blueberry bushes resulted in 50-93.4% reductions of D. suzukii damage. Longer-term field trials on cherry and blueberry challenged with egg-laying D. suzukii showed reductions of damage ranging from 45 to 95%, up to 30 d after initial cuticle supplement applications. These results indicate that the cuticle supplement significantly alters berry firmness and reduces D. suzukii damage under commercial production conditions. One factor that may contribute to this reduction includes improved fruit quality parameters. The current work serves to expand integrated pest management options to control D. suzukii populations in commercial field settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Tait
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Serhan Mermer
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Ryan D B Chave
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Vaughn M Walton
- Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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13
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Exploring the mechanism of Akebia trifoliata fruit cracking based on cell-wall metabolism. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Shi H, Zhou X, Qin M, Wang W, He X, Zhou W. Effect of CaCl 2 Sprays in Different Fruit Development Stages on Grape Berry Cracking. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:870959. [PMID: 35769303 PMCID: PMC9234641 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.870959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Grape cracking is a common phenomenon that can reach more than 50% in some varieties and can cause enormous economic losses. "Li Xiu" grapes in different developmental stages were treated with calcium chloride (5 g/L), and the cracking rate and related biochemical and genetic indices were measured in the fruit ripening stage. The results showed that calcium treatment during the flowering period could significantly reduce grape cracking. Based on the experimental results, there are several reasons as follows: first, calcium spraying during the flowering period was more favorable to calcium absorption in grapes, and the increased calcium content in the peels helped to improve the mechanical properties of the peels, thus increasing crack resistance; second, calcium treatment reduced the expression levels of genes related to glucose metabolism, which in turn reduced PG and cellulase activities, delaying the degradation of pectin and cellulose and resulting in more structural integrity of the peels; third, calcium treatment increased fruit hardness and reduced fruit ventral pressure by decreasing the expression levels of ABA-related genes and synthesis of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA), soluble sugars (SSs), and total soluble solids (TSSs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied Technology University, Changde, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhou
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mengling Qin
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied Technology University, Changde, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied Technology University, Changde, China
| | - Xiaoe He
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied Technology University, Changde, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Hunan Applied Technology University, Changde, China
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15
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RNA-Seq Provides New Insights into the Molecular Events Involved in "Ball-Skin versus Bladder Effect" on Fruit Cracking in Litchi. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010454. [PMID: 33466443 PMCID: PMC7796454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fruit cracking is a disorder of fruit development in response to internal or external cues, which causes a loss in the economic value of fruit. Therefore, exploring the mechanism underlying fruit cracking is of great significance to increase the economic yield of fruit trees. However, the molecular mechanism underlying fruit cracking is still poorly understood. Litchi, as an important tropical and subtropical fruit crop, contributes significantly to the gross agricultural product in Southeast Asia. One important agricultural concern in the litchi industry is that some famous varieties with high economic value such as ‘Nuomici’ are susceptible to fruit cracking. Here, the cracking-susceptible cultivar ‘Nuomici’ and cracking-resistant cultivar ‘Huaizhi’ were selected, and the samples including pericarp and aril during fruit development and cracking were collected for RNA-Seq analysis. Based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the “ball-skin versus bladder effect” theory (fruit cracking occurs upon the aril expanding pressure exceeds the pericarp strength), it was found that seven co-expression modules genes (1733 candidate genes) were closely associated with fruit cracking in ‘Nuomici’. Importantly, we propose that the low expression level of genes related to plant hormones (Auxin, Gibberellins, Ethylene), transcription factors, calcium transport and signaling, and lipid synthesis might decrease the mechanical strength of pericarp in ‘Nuomici’, while high expression level of genes associated with plant hormones (Auxin and abscisic acid), transcription factors, starch/sucrose metabolism, and sugar/water transport might increase the aril expanding pressure, thereby resulting in fruit cracking in ‘Nuomici’. In conclusion, our results provide comprehensive molecular events involved in the “ball-skin versus bladder effect” on fruit cracking in litchi.
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