Use of 1‐methylcyclopropene for alleviating chilling injury and lignification of bamboo shoot (Phyllostachys praecox f. prevernalis) during cold storage

BACKGROUND: Bamboo shoot is sensitive to chilling, and low‐temperature injury is a major limitation to its long‐term storage. Studies on the causes of postharvest deterioration in bamboo shoot are few. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ethylene and 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) treatments on the physiological and biochemical responses of bamboo shoot and their ability as a postharvest tool to alleviate chilling injury and lignification of bamboo shoot during storage at 2 °C. RESULTS: Disease incidence, electrical conductivity (EC), respiration and ethylene production of control bamboo shoot increased after about 2–3 weeks of cold storage, associated with higher chilling injury (CI) index. Increased shoot firmness during cold storage was positively correlated with higher lignin and cellulose accumulation, and this accumulation of lignin in flesh tissue was also positively correlated with the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase (POD). Ethylene treatment was associated with higher disease incidence, CI index, EC, respiration and ethylene production, enhanced lignin and cellulose accumulation and accelerated the activities of PAL, CAD and POD. In contrast, 1‐MCP treatment was associated with lower respiration, ethylene production, CI index and EC, reduced lignin and cellulose accumulation and retarded the activities of PAL, CAD and POD. CONCLUSION: The present findings throw light on the role of ethylene in postharvest physiological disorders such as chilling injury and lignification and suggest that 1‐MCP could be used commercially to control these disorders in bamboo shoot during cold storage. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Reducing Chilling Injury of Loquat Fruit by Combined Treatment with Hot Air and Methyl Jasmonate

The effects of a combined treatment of hot air (HA, 38 °C for 6 h) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA, 16 μmol L^?1) on chilling injury, fruit quality, and physiological changes in loquat fruit stored at 1 °C were investigated. The results showed that treatment with HA or MeJA alone both significantly alleviated chilling injury in loquat fruit compared with the control, while their combination had the lowest level of chilling injury symptoms and highest quality. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase were enhanced by the combination of HA and MeJA. In addition, the combined treatment significantly inhibited the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase, which resulted in lower lignin content. Highest level of polygalacturonase activity and water-soluble pectin content and lowest level of protopectin content were also observed in the combined treatment. These results suggested that the enhanced chilling tolerance by combination of HA and MeJA treatment in loquat fruit was related to the induction of antioxidant enzymes and the inhibition of lignin biosynthesis. The combination of HA and MeJA treatment could be a useful technique to alleviate chilling injury and maintain quality of loquat fruit during cold storage.     

Fatty acid composition and antioxidant system in relation to susceptibility of loquat fruit to chilling injury

Two cultivars of loquat fruit with contrasting chilling resistance were stored at 1 °C for 35 days to investigate the relationship between chilling injury and fatty acid composition and its antioxidant system. No symptoms of chilling injury occurred in the fruit of ‘Qingzhong’ cultivar during the whole storage, whereas in ‘Fuyang’ fruit, chilling injury increased sharply after 21 days of storage at 1 °C. ‘Qingzhong’ fruit had lower levels of superoxide radical and H₂O₂, in addition to lower lipoxygenase activity, but higher membrane lipid unsaturation and higher activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase than ‘Fuyang’. Furthermore, the chilling resistant ‘Qingzhong’ fruit also showed higher activities of antioxidant enzymes involved in ascorbate–glutathione cycle and higher levels of ascorbate acid and reduced glutathione. These results suggest that the higher membrane lipid unsaturation and the more efficient antioxidant system were both beneficial in enhancing resistance of loquat fruit to chilling injury.     

Effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene on oxidative damage,phospholipases and chilling injury in loquat fruit

BACKGROUND: Low‐temperature storage is commonly used for loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit to inhibit decay and extend postharvest life, but it also increases the severity of chilling injury (CI) in red‐fleshed fruit. 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) has been used to reduce the development of CI in cold‐stored loquat. However, the effects of 1‐MCP on changes in antioxidant system and phospholipase activity and their relation to CI have not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine whether the 1‐MCP‐induced modification in antioxidant system and phospholipase activity is linked to the reduced CI in cold‐stored loquat fruit. RESULTS: 1‐MCP treatment significantly alleviated CI in ‘Fuyang’ loquat fruit. The treatment markedly inhibited the accumulation of malondialdehyde, superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide and the increase in electrolyte leakage. In addition, 1‐MCP‐treated fruit exhibited significantly higher catalase activity and lower lipoxygenase (LOX) and phospholipase C (PLC) activities than control fruit during storage. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LOX and PLC are associated with the induction of CI in loquat fruit. 1‐MCP might reduce CI by inhibiting LOX and PLC activities and alleviating oxidative damage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

外源褪黑素通过调控活性氧代谢减轻采后杏果实冷害

为探究褪黑素处理对杏果实采后冷害和活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)代谢的影响,本研究以'赛买提'杏为材料,采用不同浓度(50、100、200μmol/L)的褪黑素进行减压渗透处理(0.05?MPa保持2 min,后恢复常压继续浸泡8 min),以蒸馏水处理作对照,处理后的杏果实置于温度(...     

Sugar metabolism in relation to chilling tolerance of loquat fruit

The relationship between chilling injury and sugar metabolism was investigated in loquat fruit stored at 1 °C for 35 days. No symptoms of chilling injury occurred in the fruit, of ‘Ninghaibai’ cultivar, during the whole storage whereas, in ‘Dahongpao’ fruit, severe chilling symptoms were observed after 20 days of storage at 1 °C. ‘Ninghaibai’ fruit had higher levels of glucose and fructose and higher activities of sucrose hydrolyzing enzymes, such as sucrose synthase-cleavage and invertase, than had ‘Dahongpao’. Furthermore, the chilling resistant ‘Ninghaibai’ fruit also showed higher activities of hexokinase and fructokinase, involved in hexose phoshorylation and sugar signal generation. These results suggest that the higher content of hexoses and activities of hexose sensors were likely part of the mechanism for chilling tolerance of loquat fruit.     

Alleviation of chilling injury in postharvest tomato fruit by preconditioning with ultraviolet irradiation

BACKGROUND: Tomato fruit is usually stored at low temperatures for delayed ripening and extended shelf life. However, tomato fruit is susceptible to chilling injury when exposed to low temperatures. In this study, the potential effects of preconditioning with UV‐C or UV‐B irradiation on chilling injury of postharvest tomato fruit were investigated. RESULTS: Mature–green tomato fruit were exposed to 4 kJ m^?2 UV‐C or 20 kJ m^?2 UV‐B irradiation and stored for 20 days at 2 °C and subsequently 10 days at 20 °C. UV irradiation was effective in reducing chilling injury index and delaying ethylene peak. Furthermore, UV irradiation preserved storage quality as manifested by reduced weight loss, better retention of firmness, and higher contents of total soluble solids, soluble protein and soluble sugar during subsequent storage at 20 °C. UV‐C irradiation significantly delayed the development of the red colour after 10 days of storage at 20 °C. On the other hand, UV irradiation decreased total phenolics content and antioxidant capacity, suggesting possibly reduced stress response to low temperature resulted from enhanced physiological adaptation by UV preconditioning. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that preconditioning with UV‐C or UV‐B irradiation in appropriate doses had a positive effect on alleviating chilling injury in postharvest tomato fruit. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Low‐temperature conditioning combined with methyl jasmonate treatment reduces chilling injury of peach fruit

BACKGROUND: Peaches are sensitive to low temperature and develop chilling injury (CI) symptoms during refrigerated storage. This CI reduces consumer acceptance of peaches and limits the potential postharvest market life of the fruit. To develop a suitable technique to reduce CI, the effect of a combination of low‐temperature conditioning (LTC) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) treatment on CI of peach fruit was investigated in this study. RESULTS: Freshly harvested firm‐mature peaches were treated with a combination of LTC at 10 or 20 °C and 1 µmol L^?1 MJ and then stored at 0 °C for 5 weeks. The fruits developed CI during storage, manifested as internal browning and flesh mealiness. The combined treatment significantly reduced these CI symptoms and maintained higher fruit quality. The activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase were significantly inhibited while those of superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were induced by the combined treatment. In addition, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase and polygalacturonase and the level of total phenolics were enhanced by the combined treatment. CONCLUSION: The combination of LTC and MJ treatment could be a useful technique to reduce CI and maintain quality in peach fruit during cold storage. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Maturity‐dependent chilling tolerance regulated by the antioxidative capacity in postharvest cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruits

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to reveal the effect of fruit maturity on the chilling tolerance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) fruit and the oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms involved. Chinese mini‐cucumber (cv. Hangcui‐1) fruits were harvested at four developmental stages: Immature (3–8 days after anthesis (DAA)), Mature (9–16 DAA), Breaker (17–22 DAA) and Yellow (35–40 DAA). All fruits were stored at 2 °C for 9 days and rewarmed at 20 °C for 2 days. RESULTS: The chilling injury index declined with advancing fruit maturity. High superoxide anion radical production rate and hydrogen peroxide content were observed in Immature fruits after cold storage and rewarming. Under chilling stress, superoxide dismutase showed an early response. Fruits at earlier maturity stages exhibited higher catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and monodehydroascorbate reductase activities and glutathione content as well as its redox state, and lower peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase activities and ascorbate content as well as its redox state. CONCLUSION: Fruits at the earlier developmental stage are more susceptible to chilling injury, which is related to increased oxidative stress. High peroxidase activity and ascorbate content and maintenance of the latter's redox state appear critical to the chilling tolerance of cucumber fruits at later developmental stages. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

采后热空气处理对枇杷果实抗病性的诱导

研究热空气处理对枇杷果实腐烂和抗病相关酶活性及基因表达的影响。枇杷果实先用43 ℃热空气处理3 h,然后接种炭疽病菌,接种后的果实置于20 ℃条件下贮藏8 d。结果表明,热空气处理有效降低了枇杷果实的自然发病率,显著抑制了接种枇杷果实病斑直径的扩展,诱导了果实中几丁质酶、β-1,3-葡聚糖酶、苯丙氨酸解氨酶（PAL）和多酚氧化酶（PPO）等抗病相关酶活性的增强。热空气处理还可显著诱导接种枇杷果实PAL、PPO、过氧化物酶和热激蛋白基因的表达。同时,热空气处理对枇杷果实的硬度、可滴定酸和可溶性固形物含量等品质指标没有显著影响,但促进了类胡萝卜素的积累。以上结果表明,热空气处理可通过诱导抗病相关基因的表达和抗病相关酶活性的上升,提高枇杷果实的抗病能力。     

Effect of cold‐shock treatment on chilling injury in mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Wacheng’) fruit

To investigate how cold shock may affect chilling injury in mango fruit (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Wacheng’), the fruit were treated for 3, 4 or 5 h at 0 °C, or treated for 8, 10 or 12 h at 4 °C, respectively, then transferred to 20 °C for 20 h prior to being stored at 2 °C, 85–95% RH. The chilling injury index of mango treated at 0 °C for 4 h was 59.7% lower than that of the control fruit directly stored at 2 °C, 85–95% RH. Some attributes were assayed in the fruit treated at 0 °C for 4 h. Ion leakage of the cold‐shock fruit at 0 °C for 4 h was 16% or 10% lower than that of the control on day 9 or day 12 of storage, respectively. Malondialdehyde content of the cold‐shocked fruit was 70% or 50% lower than that of the control on day 6 or day 12 of storage at 2 °C, respectively. Activities of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and contents of glutathione and phenolic compounds in the fruit during storage were all markedly enhanced by the cold‐shock treatment, whereas activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and content of ascorbic acid in the mango were slightly influenced by the cold‐shock treatment. These results suggest that cold‐shock treatment may hold promise as an alternative approach to reduce chilling injury in mango fruit during cold storage. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

采收成熟度与冷藏枇杷果实木质化关系研究

以七成、八成和九成熟的“解放钟”枇杷(Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. cv. Jiefangzhong)果实为试材,于4℃贮藏期间测定3 种不同成熟度果实的品质指标及木质化相关酶活性的变化,确定适宜于冷藏的枇杷果实采收成熟度,以减缓冷藏期间果实木质化败坏的发生,延长其贮藏期。结果表明：果实冷藏至35d,成熟度越高,果肉木质化越严重,但七成与八成熟果实木质素含量差异不明显(P ＞ 0.05);木质化程度相对较低;八成熟果实的总糖和可溶性固形物(TSS)含量明显高于七成熟和九成熟果实(P ＜ 0.05)。不同成熟度果实可滴定酸(TA)含量以及4- 香豆酸辅酶A 连接酶(4CL)、肉桂醇脱氢酶(CAD)和过氧化物酶(POD)活性差异不显著(P ＞ 0.05),九成熟果实苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)酶活性明显高于七成和八成熟(P ＜ 0.05),PAL 活性与木质素含量之间具有较高的正相关性(r=0.89)。不同采收成熟度与冷藏枇杷果实木质化密切相关,适于冷藏的枇杷果实以八成熟采收为宜。     

Modified atmosphere packaging confers additional chilling tolerance on ethylene-inhibited cantaloupe Charentais melon fruit

Cantaloupe Charentais melon fruits are subject to chilling injury when stored at low temperatures, around 2 °C. Ethylene-suppressed cantaloupe Charentais melon, expressing a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-oxidase gene in antisense orientation, showed strong, but not total, resistance to chilling injury, allowing an extended storage at low temperatures. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is known to alleviate chilling injury symptoms in a variety of chilling-sensitive horticultural commodities. In the present work, we have compared the effects of MAP in non-retractile plastic film and storage in air on ethylene production, respiratory activity, development of chilling injury symptoms, water loss, ion leakage and accumulation of ethanol and acetaldehyde in wild-type and ethylene-suppressed melons, during storage at 2 °C and after re-warming at 22 °C. MAP reduced chilling injury and extended the postharvest life of wild-type fruit and conferred additional chilling resistance on ethylene-suppressed melons. Reduction of ethylene production and water loss are necessary to prevent chilling injury symptoms in melon.     

外源钙和钙调素拮抗剂对冷藏桃果实耐冷性的影响

以‘白凤’水蜜桃为试材,分别用外源钙（CaCl2）和钙调素拮抗剂三氟拉嗪（trifluoperazin,TFP）浸泡桃果实,以蒸馏水为对照,研究其对冷藏桃果实抗冷性的影响。结果表明：与对照组相比,CaCl2处理能有效减轻桃果实果心褐变程度,缓解冷害症状,降低相对电导率,降低丙二醛（malondialdehyde,MDA）、H2O2含量,降低超氧阴离子自由基（O2 － ·）产生速率以及脯氨酸脱氢酶（proline dehydrogenase,PDH）活力,提高活性氧代谢相关酶（超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD)、过氧化氢酶（catalase,CAT）、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶（ascorbate peroxidase,APX）、Δ1-吡咯啉-5-羧酸合成酶（Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase,P5CS）、鸟氨酸氨基转移酶（ornithine δ-aminotransferase peroxidase,OAT）、谷胱甘肽还原酶（glutathione reductase,GR））活力;另外,CaCl2处理后的桃果实表现为较高的脯氨酸、VC和谷胱甘肽（glutathione,GSH）含量;而TFP处理后的桃果实冷藏特性与CaCl2处理组相反。这说明钙-钙调素（Ca2＋-CaM）复合体参与了采后桃果实抗冷性调控,Ca2＋浓度的增加能维持桃果实活性氧代谢平衡,减少低温胁迫下膜脂过氧化与损伤,增加渗透调节物质脯氨酸的积累,从而减少桃果实冷藏期间冷害的发生,保持果实营养品质,延长果实贮藏时间。     

Effects of short‐term N2 treatment on quality and antioxidant ability of loquat fruit during cold storage

BACKGROUND: Loquat fruit is susceptible to microbial decay and quality deterioration during postharvest distribution. In this study, in a search for effective alternatives to methods currently used for quality maintenance, the effects of short‐term pre‐storage N₂ treatment on the quality and antioxidant ability of loquat fruit were investigated. RESULTS: Loquat fruits were exposed to 100% N₂ for 6 h at 20 °C and then stored at 5 °C for 35 days. Short‐term N₂ treatment significantly delayed the increase in fruit decay rate and decreases in total soluble solid and titratable acidity contents, thereby maintaining better eating quality and extending the storage life of fruits. It also markedly delayed increases in membrane permeability, malondialdehyde content and superoxide anion production rate. In addition, N₂‐treated fruits exhibited significantly higher superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and lower lipoxygenase activity than control fruits. CONCLUSION: Short‐term pre‐storage N₂ treatment effectively reduced fruit decay and maintained quality in loquat fruits during cold storage. The reduction in fruit decay and quality deterioration by the treatment was correlated with enhanced antioxidant ability and reduced lipid peroxidation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

热激处理对冷藏“解放钟”枇杷果实木质化及相关酶活性的影响

以福建莆田市“解放钟”枇杷为材料,采后50℃热处理30min 后分为冷库(2～5℃)和室温(18～25℃)两种贮藏条件进行贮藏。在贮藏期通过对枇杷果实的木质素含量、硬度、多酚氧化酶(PPO) 、苯丙氨酸解氨酶(PAL)、肉桂醇脱氢酶(CAD)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性变化的分析,研究贮前热处理对冷藏枇杷果实木质化及相关酶活性的影响。结果表明：低温(2～5℃)条件下贮藏,枇杷果实硬度和苯丙氨酸解氨酶活性都有明显升高,且两者呈正相关,相关系数r=0.914。贮前热处理能够延缓冷藏枇杷果实木质素含量及硬度的上升,降低PPO、PAL、CAD、POD 的活性。     

Soluble Sugar Content and Metabolism as Related to the Heat-Induced Chilling Tolerance of Loquat Fruit During Cold Storage

The effects of high-temperature, short-time hot air treatment (45 °C for 3 h) on soluble sugar metabolism and chilling tolerance in loquat fruit stored at 5 °C for 5 weeks were investigated. Heat treatment significantly reduced chilling severity, as evidenced by lower firmness and internal browning and higher levels of extractable juice. Meanwhile, this treatment accelerated the activities of acid invertase, neutral invertase, sucrose phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase during storage. However, sucrose degradation was predominant, which caused lower levels of sucrose and higher levels of glucose and fructose in the heat-treated group. In addition, the ascorbate acid content and the activities of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the heat-treated fruit were much higher than those in control fruit, resulting in lower levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde and decreased membrane permeability as well as a higher unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio at the end of storage. Our results suggest that the increased levels of reducing sugars, especially those of glucose, may induce the ascorbate–glutathione cycle activity to scavenge for H₂O₂, whose content relates to the heat-induced chilling tolerance of loquat fruit.     

水杨酸处理对杏果实冷害及活性氧代谢的影响

以新疆塞买提杏为实验材料,用质量浓度0.01 g/L的水杨酸以减压渗透方式处理,置于温度0 ℃、湿度90%～95%的冷库贮藏。定期测定杏果实冷害指数和冷害发病率及与活性氧代谢相关的超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化氢酶（CAT）、过氧化物酶（POD）、超氧阴离子自由基（O2－·）的产生速率以及过氧化氢（H2O2）的含量。结果表明：质量浓度0.01 g/L的水杨酸处理能明显降低杏果实冷害发生率,减缓杏果实贮藏期间CAT和POD活性的下降,有效提高杏果实SOD的活性,抑制O2－·产生速率和H2O2含量的增长。说明水杨酸处理可减轻杏果实的冷害发病率,这与水杨酸处理能防止杏果实冷藏期间过高的氧化伤害,维持杏果实活性氧代谢平衡密切相关。     

Enhancement of Chilling Stress Tolerance of Tomato Fruit by Postharvest Brassinolide Treatment

Tomatoes, originally a tropical fruit, cannot easily be stored at low temperatures, due to the risk of chilling injury (CI). To develop an effective technique to reduce CI, the effects of treatment with 0, 3, and 6 μM brassinolide (BR) on chilling injury, electrolyte leakage (EL), contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline, and activities of phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) were investigated in tomato fruit stored at 1 °C for 21 days. Treatment with BR, especially at 6 μM, significantly alleviated chilling injury, reduced EL and MDA content, and increased proline content. Also, fruit treated with BR exhibited significantly lower PLD and LOX activities as compared with the control fruit. These results suggest that PLD and LOX are associated with the induction of CI in tomato fruit. BR might reduce CI by inhibiting PLD and LOX activities and by enhancing membrane integrity.     

Abscisic Acid in the Response of ‘Fortune’ Mandarins to Chilling. Effect of Maturity and High-Temperature Conditioning

The possible role of abscisic acid (ABA) and peel colour in chilling tolerance of ‘Fortune’ mandarins has been examined. Fruit stored at 2·5°C, but not at 12°C, showed pitting damage. The degree of damage changed considerably during development and maturity from November until May. Green fruit were more tolerant to chilling injury (CI). After colour break, chilling susceptibility increased from the beginning of December until January and February (the coolest season during the growing period) and declined towards May. This trend did not parallel changes in fruit colour index or free and bound ABA levels, which increased from November until May. At the time of chloroplast transformation to chromoplast a noticeable shift in free but not in bound ABA occurred. During storage, free ABA levels increased in fruits stored at 12°C, but not at 2·5°C. Changes in ABA with storage temperature depended on the stage of maturity of the fruits, but not on their susceptibility to CI. It has also been shown that there was no relationship between ABA content following exposure to 37°C and chilling tolerance. At all stages of maturity, the susceptibility of the fruits to CI and the free ABA levels of the flavedo decreased after conditioning the fruits for 3 days at 37°C. After storage at 2·5°C, the ABA levels of the conditioned fruit were similar or even lower than those of non-conditioned fruit. Treatment of fruit for 3 days with 10 μl litre^-1 ethylene increased free ABA about four times, whereas bound ABA remained nearly constant. This treatment enhanced cold-induced peel damage after prolonged storage. Thus, the ethylene-induced changes in free ABA appear not to be related to the induced changes in chilling susceptibility. The results obtained indicated, therefore, that free and bound ABA appear not to be involved on the adaptative mechanism developed in ‘Fortune’ mandarins to cope with chilling stress. © 1997 SCI.