1-MCP suppresses ethylene biosynthesis and delays softening of 'Hami' melon during storage at ambient temperature

BACKGROUND: ‘Hami’ melon is susceptible to softening during postharvest storage at ambient temperature, which enhances postharvest deterioration and limits transportation and storage. To look for a method of softening control, the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on regulating postharvest softening of ‘Hami’ melon fruit was investigated. RESULTS: 1‐MCP treatment at 1 µL L^?1 significantly reduced ethylene production and maintained higher levels of fruit firmness. It also markedly inhibited the accumulation of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) and maintained lower activities of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase. In addition, 1‐MCP treatment reduced the activities of fruit‐softening enzymes such as pectin methyl esterase, polygalacturonase, endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanase and β‐galactosidase. CONCLUSION: 1‐MCP was effective in suppressing ethylene production and delaying fruit softening in ‘Hami’ melon by decreasing the activities of ethylene biosynthesis enzymes and inhibiting fruit‐softening enzymes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

1-MCP及其结构相似物处理对番茄采后贮藏效果的影响

为了研究环丙烯类乙烯抑制剂的作用效果,以绿熟期番茄为试材,用1-甲基环丙烯(1-MCP)、1-戊基环丙烯(1-PentCP)、1-辛基环丙烯(1-OCP)处理后,常温(18℃±2℃)贮藏,每隔3 d测定1次理化指标,研究三者对番茄果实后熟衰老和贮藏效果的影响。结果表明:1-MCP及其结构相似物处理番茄不同程度地降低了呼吸强度和乙烯释放量的峰值,抑制了番茄果实硬度的下降,延缓了可溶性固形物含量的上升,同时也有效抑制了后熟期番茄果实过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性、过氧化物酶(POD)活性,延缓了果实的后熟衰老。3种试验的抑制剂中,1-MCP、1-PentCP和1-OCP处理随支链长度的增加,抑制后熟衰老的效果依次降低。     

1-甲基环丙烯保鲜纸研制及应用

选用3种合成方法制备1-MCP包结物,采用气相色谱、红外和核磁共振化学方法对合成产物进表征,设计制备出新型1-MCP保鲜纸并应用于香蕉和番茄的贮藏保鲜。分析1-MCP保鲜纸对香蕉、番茄果实呼吸速率和乙烯释放速率的影响以及及对番茄色泽和可滴定酸含量的影响。结果表明：1-MCP保鲜纸处理对延缓香蕉和番茄的成熟衰老有明显效果,可显著降低香蕉和番茄的呼吸速率和乙烯释放速率,延缓番茄果皮转红,抑制番茄果实中可测定酸含量的下降,该种1-MCP保鲜纸是一种新型的保鲜产品。     

ACTIVITIES OF β-GALACTOSIDASE AND α-L-ARABINOFURANOSIDASE, ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHETIC ENZYMES DURING PEACH RIPENING AND SOFTENING

A study was conducted to determine changes in firmness, ethylene and ethylene biosynthetic enzymes, and the activities of β‐galactosidase (β‐GAL) and α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase (α‐AF) during peach ripening and softening. The activities of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase, ACC oxidase and polygalacturonase increased in parallel with ethylene production and declined in firmness during peach ripening, and they appeared at maximum simultaneously at maturity IV. β‐GAL activity was high in unripe peach fruit and it experienced an overall decline during peach ripening. While α‐AF activity changed placidly at the initial stage (maturity I–III), after that it experienced a rapid increasing stage. The preliminary result indicated that β‐GAL and α‐AF, as well as ethylene biosynthetic enzymes, may be involved in the ripening and softening of peach fruit.     

Enhanced preservation effects of sugar apple fruits by salicylic acid treatment during post‐harvest storage

BACKGROUND: Salicylic acid (SA) is recognised as an endogenous signal, mediating in plant defense and against pathogens. It has been reported that SA treatment can reduce decay and extend storage life of various fruit, such as bananas, peaches and apples. RESULTS: Physiological and biochemical responses in harvested sugar apple fruit (Annona squamosa L.) to SA at 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mmol L^?1 were investigated during post‐harvest storage. Results indicated that SA treatments lowered respiration, increased activities of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), decreased lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and correspondingly lowered Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in treated fruits was observed as compared to the control. Moreover, production of superoxide free radical (O₂^{?, ?}) and ethylene was significantly decreased in the treated fruits. Total soluble solids, total soluble sugar, softness and decay rate were significantly lowered in treated fruits, and in turn a delay in the fruits ripening process was achieved after 10 days of storage. CONCLUSION: SA has positive effects in maintaining membrane integrity and in delaying fruit ripening process, which results in improved storability of sugar apple. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Expression of genes associated with ethylene-signalling pathway in harvested banana fruit in response to temperature and 1-MCP treatment

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been paid to characterising the ethylene‐signalling pathway genes in relation to abnormal ripening of harvested banana fruit during storage at high temperature. The aim of the present study was to investigate banana fruit abnormal ripening and the expression of ten genes associated with the ethylene‐signalling pathway, namely MaACS1, MaACO1, MaERS1–4 and MaEIL1–4, at high temperature. Changes in these parameters of banana fruit at high temperature in response to 1‐MCP pretreatment were also investigated. RESULTS: High temperature accelerated the decline in fruit firmness, increased ethylene production and inhibited degreening in banana fruit, resulting in fruit abnormal ripening. In addition, the expression of MaACS1, MaACO1, MaERS2, MaERS3, MaERS4, MaEIL1, MaEIL3 and MaEIL4 was enhanced in banana fruit stored at high temperature. However, application of 1‐MCP prior to high temperature storage delayed fruit abnormal ripening and simultaneously suppressed the expression of MaACS1, MaERS2, MaERS3, MaEIL1, MaEIL3 and MaEIL4. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that the expression of genes associated with the ethylene‐signalling pathway might be involved in banana fruit abnormal ripening at high temperature. Application of 1‐MCP suppressed the expression of genes associated with the ethylene‐signalling pathway, which may be attributed at least partially to 1‐MCP delaying fruit abnormal ripening at high temperature. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

1-甲基环丙烯保鲜贴纸延缓香蕉后熟衰老进程的研究

目的研究新型1-甲基环丙烯(1-methylcyclopropene, 1-MCP)保鲜贴纸在延长黄熟香蕉货架期方面的应用。方法分析1-MCP保鲜贴纸对黄熟蕉的后熟阶段值、硬度、果实呼吸速率、乙烯释放速率等后熟衰老指标、果实外观色泽和品质变化指标的影响。结果 1-MCP保鲜贴纸可明显延长黄熟蕉的货架期3 d,一定程度地减缓呼吸速率和乙烯释放速率,延缓硬度下降,延迟衰老梅花点的出现,但1-MCP保鲜贴纸对果肉可溶性固形物、可滴定酸及维生素C含量没有显著影响(P0.05)。结论乙烯催熟后的黄熟香蕉可采用1-MCP保鲜贴纸延长运输及货架销售期,降低黄熟蕉由于快速后熟衰老软化造成的经济损失,提高商品价值。     

硫化氢对采后粉蕉果实贮藏品质的影响

为研究不同浓度硫化氢(Hydrogen sulfide,H₂S)处理对采后粉蕉果实品质的影响,将粉蕉果实分别用0.3、0.6和0.9 mmol/L NaHS溶液释放的H₂S处理,并定期观察和测定了贮藏期间果实的硬度、色泽、失重率、褐变指数、可溶性固形物(TSS)、可滴定酸(TA)、呼吸速率和乙烯生成速率。结果表明：H₂S处理明显延缓了粉蕉果实表皮黄化和果肉褐变指数的增加,减缓了果实的软化和失重率的上升,果实TSS含量以及TA含量上升幅度受到一定程度抑制。并且,除了TSS 3个不同浓度处理组间差别不显著外(P>0.05),其余都表现出0.6 mmol/L NaHS处理组效果更明显;与此同时,经NaHS处理还显著地抑制了果实的呼吸作用和乙烯生成速率的上升(P<0.05),推迟了呼吸和乙烯达到峰值的时间4 d。但不同浓度NaHS处理组间对乙烯影响不显著(P>0.05)。综合来看,不同浓度NaHS处理均可以延缓采后粉蕉果实的成熟衰老,其中以0.6 mmol/L NaHS处理的保鲜效果最明显。     

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on peach fruit (Prunus persica L. cv. Jiubao) ripening and disease resistance

In order to learn how 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) affects ripening and disease‐resistance of peach fruit (Prunus persica L. cv. Jiubao) after harvest, they were treated with 1‐MCP and some were inoculated with Penicillium expansum. Treating peach fruit with 0.2 μL L^?1 of 1‐MCP at 22 °C for 24 h effectively slowed the decline in fruit firmness. The minimal concentration of 1‐MCP able to inhibit fruit softening was 0.6 μL L^?1. Changes in other parameters related to peach ripening, such as content of soluble solids, total soluble sugar, titratable acidity, soluble pectin and ethylene production were also significantly reduced or delayed by 1‐MCP. Repeated treatment of peach with 1‐MCP resulted in more effective inhibition of ripening. Post‐harvest decay of peach fruit was reduced by treatment with 1‐MCP and disease progress in fruit inoculated with P. expansum was reduced. The activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase, polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase in the inoculated fruit were also enhanced by 1‐MCP.     

Effects of Ultrasound on Spoilage Microorganisms,Quality, and Antioxidant Capacity of Postharvest Cherry Tomatoes

Mature‐green cherry tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Jinyu) were exposed to different power densities of ultrasound (66.64, 106.19, and 145.74 W/L) at 25 °C to study ultrasound non‐thermal effects on the storage properties. Among the three levels of ultrasound irradiation, 106.19 W/L ultrasound was effective in reducing the spoilage microorganisms, delaying postharvest ripening through inhibiting ethylene production and respiration rates, and consequently maintaining fruit firmness, flavor, enzyme activities, antioxidants (total phenolics, total flavonoids), and the total antioxidant capacity of cherry tomatoes. The 66.64 W/L ultrasound had similar effects but to a lesser extent. Meanwhile, although 145.74 W/L ultrasound resulted in higher content of ascorbic acid (AA), it showed many negative effects on the storage quality of fruits. These results demonstrated that ultrasound of appropriate power density had great potentials in inhibiting decay, maintaining flavor and nutritional quality of cherry tomatoes.     

外源乙烯对采后杏鲍菇内源乙烯释放和衰老进程的影响

为了深入了解杏鲍菇成熟衰老机理,探讨其对乙烯的敏感性,以杏鲍菇为试材,研究常温条件下（（20±1）℃、相对湿度70%～80%）杏鲍菇子实体内源乙烯释放规律及不同剂量（1、10、100、1 000 μL/L）外源乙烯对其内源乙烯释放和衰老进程的影响。结果表明：杏鲍菇子实体采后乙烯释放量随子实体的继续发育逐渐增加,分别在贮藏的12 h和36 h各出现一次释放高峰,释放量分别为贮藏前的12.53 倍和7.57 倍;同时外源乙烯能不同程度地诱导子实体内源乙烯的释放,并推迟乙烯跃变启动时间,促进多酚氧化酶活力、苯丙氨酸解氨酶活力、褐变程度、相对电导率、丙二醛含量的上升,加快可溶性糖及蛋白的降解,降低子实体抗坏血酸过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶、过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶活力,加速1,1-二苯基-2-三硝基苯肼自由基清除率、总抗氧化能力的下降,并使子实体的抗氧化物质（总酚、类黄酮）含量相比对照组保持在较低水平。由此说明,外源乙烯处理能够加速杏鲍菇的采后衰老进程,该研究结果为进一步揭示杏鲍菇采后衰老机制提供理论参考。     

Increased ethylene biosynthesis elevates incidence of chilling injury in cold‐stored ‘Amber Jewel’ Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) during fruit ripening

Mature ‘Amber Jewel’ Japanese plum fruit were stored at 0 or 5 °C for 3 and 6 weeks to investigate their effects on ethylene (C₂H₄) biosynthesis during ripening at ambient temperature in the development of chilling injury (CI) and fruit quality. CI (internal breakdown and browning) and fruit softening were higher during ripening, in the fruit stored at 5 °C than 0 °C, irrespective of storage period (SP). C₂H₄ production and activities of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid synthase (ACS) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) enzymes, and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) content were higher during ripening in fruit stored at 5 °C than 0 °C. The fruit stored at 5 °C also exhibited higher respiration rate and higher soluble solids concentration/titratable acidity ratio. In conclusion, increase in storage temperature and SP elevates the activities of ACS and ACO enzymes and consequently C₂H₄ production which leads to the development of CI in plum fruit with advancement of ripening.     

氯吡苯脲浸泡处理延缓采后芒果成熟和软化的生理机制

以采后‘贵妃’芒果为试材,使用10 mg/L氯吡苯脲（forchlorfenuron,CPPU）溶液对果实浸泡处理10 min,晾干后在室温（25 ℃）条件下贮藏8 d,研究CPPU浸泡处理对芒果果实贮藏期间成熟与软化相关生理指标的影响。结果显示：CPPU浸泡处理明显抑制了芒果果实的呼吸作用并推迟了果肉色泽、硬度、可溶性固形物质量分数和可滴定酸质量分数的变化;CPPU浸泡处理有效抑制了果实1-氨基环丙烷-1-羧酸合成酶和1-氨基环丙烷-1-羧酸氧化酶活性,导致乙烯释放量降低;此外,CPPU浸泡处理显著抑制了果实多聚半乳糖醛酸酶、果胶甲酯酶、β-半乳糖苷酶等果胶水解酶活性变化,并较大程度抑制了果胶多糖的增溶与解聚作用,故而延缓了果实的软化进程。结论：CPPU浸泡处理能有效延缓采后芒果果实的成熟与软化,从而延长果实货架寿命。     

Conditions in banana ripening using the rack and pit traditional methods and their effect on juice extraction

Traditional banana ripening processes for juice extraction, using the rack and pit methods, were carried out on farm to assess and compare the conditions in the respective ripening chambers and the suitability of the resulting ripe bananas for juice extraction. During ripening, high temperatures (23‐32°C) were attained and ethylene was produced. Ethylene reached peak concentrations of 250 and 500 mg kg⁻¹ for the rack and the pit methods respectively. Owing to the continued respiration of the bananas, the oxygen concentration fell and carbon dioxide accumulated, however the bananas attained a bright yellow colour on ripening. There was a significant difference in environmental conditions between the rack and pit ripening chambers. This did not affect ripening and it was possible to extract juice from bananas ripened by either method. However, some juice extraction failures were encountered. These preliminary studies suggest that the success or failure of banana juice extraction depends partly on conditions of ripening, in particular temperature. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

温度和乙烯对京白梨后熟进程及其品质的影响

研究温度、乙烯对京白梨果实后熟进程及品质的影响。测定果实乙烯释放量、呼吸强度、果实硬度、可溶性固形物含量、pH值、果皮颜色ΔE 值和h 值、失重率、病果率等指标,并进行感官评价。结果表明：温度和乙烯直接影响果实的后熟进程和后熟品质;后熟过程中果实硬度与后熟时间呈极显著线性负相关(P＜ 0.01),温度过高或过低均导致果皮转色和果实硬度后熟不一致,适度的低温(14℃)延迟了果实乙烯峰值的启动时间,高温(28℃)抑制乙烯的生成和果实的软化,温度越高,失重率和烂果率越高;外源乙烯有助于果实乙烯的生成和呼吸强度的增加,乙烯加快了果实的后熟进程,并且后熟更均匀一致,且品质最佳。研究表明：京白梨后熟的适宜温度范围17～23℃,最佳温度20℃,最佳乙烯催熟用量为100μL/L。     

Effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene on anthracnose rot caused by Colletotrichum acutatum and disease resistance in loquat fruit

BACKGOUND: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit are susceptible to fungal decay during postharvest storage at ambient temperature. The control of postharvest diseases of loquat is based primarily on the use of synthetic fungicides. To look for an alternative method for disease control, we investigated the effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on controlling anthracnose rot caused by Colletotrichum acutatum of loquat fruit. RESULTS: 1‐MCP treatment significantly reduced decay incidence of loquat fruit. The treatment markedly inhibited accumulation of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide and maintained higher superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. Meanwhile, 1‐MCP treatment induced higher activities of two defense‐related enzymes—chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase—during 6 days' storage. Furthermore, the treatment inhibited increases in fruit firmness and internal browning index, and maintained higher extractable juice rate, total soluble solids and titratable acidity contents, thereby delaying the development of senescence. CONCLUSION: 1‐MCP was effective in reducing decay and might have enhanced the disease resistance in loquat fruit by increasing chitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase, and maintained natural resistance by delaying senescence development. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

LeMAPK4 participated in cold‐induced ethylene production in tomato fruit

BACKGROUND: Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK, EC 2.7.11.24) cascade from several plant species has been shown to be activated during response to abiotic stress. Ethylene plays an important role in fruit tolerance to environmental stress. However, the mechanisms by which MAPK regulates defence systems in fruit and the relationship between MAPK and ethylene remain to be determined. RESULTS: MAPK inhibitor significantly decreased the chilling tolerance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Lichun) fruit during cold storage. Moreover, decreases in ethylene content, LeACS2 expression and activities of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS, EC 4.4.1.14) and ACC oxidase (ACO, EC 1.14.17.4) due to MAPK inhibitor occurred within 24 h after cold treatment. Upon treatment with cold and ethephon, the ethylene content, activities of ACS and ACO and expression of LeACS2, LeACO1 and LeMAPK4 increased. CONCLUSION: The results showed the regulation of MAPK in ethylene biosynthesis to protect tomato fruit from cold stress. In addition, the participation of LeMAPK4 in cold‐induced ethylene biosynthesis in tomato fruit was indicated. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of fungi associated with bananas on nutritional content during storage

Botryodiplodia theobromae, Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus and Fusarium equiseti were found to be associated with the ripening of bananas and also caused rot during storage. Bananas stored in baskets with ash fire wood ripened 2–3 days earlier than bananas stored in fibre sacks and under constant light. The infected bananas showed a decrease in the quantity of total soluble sugars, protein, lipid, crude fibre, ash, ascorbic acid and mineral elements when compared with the control fruit. Paper Chromatographic studies showed the presence of glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose and raffinose in healthy control fruit, while only sucrose appeared during storage in bananas infected withB. theobromae. The total soluble sugar and crude protein contents increased during ripening.