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18 pages, 4707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Effects of Cushioning Packaging on the Physiological and Quality Changes in Chinese Olive Fruits During Cold Chain Transportation

by Han Lin, Fanghao Fu, Jinghai Li, Jiahui Liu, Kaiyang Du, Bingxia Zhu, Zhixiong Guo, Tengfei Pan and Wenqin She

Foods 2024, 13(24), 4133; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13244133 - 20 Dec 2024

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Abstract

To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which cushioning packaging preserves the quality of Chinese olive fruits during cold chain transportation and extends their shelf life, this study simulated cold chain conditions and investigated the effects of cushioning packaging on the [...] Read more.

To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which cushioning packaging preserves the quality of Chinese olive fruits during cold chain transportation and extends their shelf life, this study simulated cold chain conditions and investigated the effects of cushioning packaging on the physiology, antioxidant capacity, and secondary metabolites of fruits during a 20-day shelf life. The results indicated that the decay rate in cushioning-packaging-treated fruit was 75% lower than that in the unbuffered packaging fruit at day 20 of shelf life. Simultaneously, cushioning packaging treatment mitigated the damage severity of the cell membrane structure and kept the cell membrane permeability at a low level, which was 15.34% lower than that in the unbuffered packaging fruit at day 20 of shelf life. Additionally, cushioning packaging effectively restrained the increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and alleviated the decline in chlorophyll and total flavonoid contents. It kept a balance among reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities, thereby reducing mechanical-damage-induced decay rates in Chinese olive fruits during the shelf life. Furthermore, metabolome analysis of Chinese olives during the shelf life was performed comparing those without buffered packaging to those with buffered packaging. The metabolome analysis found that the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway exhibited a higher accumulation of chrysin, neohesperidin, naringenin chalcone, sakuranetin, quercetin, catechin, and naringenin metabolites in cushion-packaging treatment compared to those without cushioning treatment. Furthermore, within the phenylalanine metabolic pathway, the accumulation of phenylalanine, p-coumaraldehyde, p-coumaric acid, coniferin and caffeoyl quinic acid metabolites was significantly higher in buffered-packaging groups compared to those without buffering. Together, these findings suggest that cushioning packaging can effectively sustain the integrity of cell membranes and enhance the shelf-life quality of Chinese olive fruits by regulating the balance of ROS and mitigating oxidative stress during cold chain transportation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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Figure 1
Effect of cushion packaging during cold chain transportation on (A) the delay rate, (B) weight loss rate, (C) chlorophyll content, (D) total flavonoid content, (E) MDA content, and (F) cell membrane permeability of Chinese olives during the shelf life. Asterisks indicate the significant differences between the Chinese olives invaded with unbuffered packing and the control fruit, with * and ** representing the significant levels at p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively, on the same storage day. Symbols indicate the significant differences between the fruit treated with buffered packaging and the fruit subjected to unbuffered packaging, with * and ** denoting the significant levels at p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively, based on the same shelf life. Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of buffered packaging during cold chain transportation on AsA (A) and GSH(B) contents and activities of CAT (C), APX (D), PPO (E), POD (F), and LOX (G) in Chinese olives during the shelf life. The data presented in the figures are expressed as the mean ± SD of three biological replicates. Asterisks indicate the significant differences between the Chinese olives invaded with unbuffered packing and the control fruit, with * and ** representing the significant levels at p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively, on the same storage day. Symbols indicate the significant differences between the fruit treated with buffered packaging and the fruit subjected to unbuffered packaging, with * and ** denoting the significant levels at p < 0.01 or p < 0.05, respectively, based on the same shelf life. Full article ">Figure 3
(A) The PCA shows the metabolic shift of Chinese olive fruits in different groups. Fruit samples of CK0d, CK5d, CK15d, CK20d, CctQ0d, CctQ5d, CctQ15d, CctQ20d, Cct0d, Cct5d, Cct15d, and Cct20d were mixed in equal volumes for use as the quality control (QC). (B) The OPLS-DA for different comparison groups. Full article ">Figure 4
(A) Pie chart showing the different categories of metabolites identified in Chinese olives during the shelf life. (B) Volcano plots of the DAMs in CctQ-0d vs. Cct-0d, CctQ-5d vs. Cct-5d, CctQ-15d vs. Cct-15d, and CctQ-20d vs. Cct-20d. (C) KEGG enrichment analysis of differential metabolites in CctQ-0d vs. Cct-0d, CctQ-5d vs. Cct-5d, CctQ-15d vs. Cct-15d, and CctQ-20d vs. Cct-20d. (The red boxes indicated the pathways related to antioxidant capacity). Full article ">Figure 5
DAMs identified in the different comparison groups that are functionally associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Full article ">

15 pages, 3988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Strategy for Enhancing Postharvest Quality of Sweet Cherry: High-Voltage Electrostatic Field Improves the Physicochemical Properties and Fungal Community

by Yanlong Liu, Lulu Zhang, Tan Hu, Qiongyin Liu, Shuya Zhou, Yi Zhao, Abdul-Nabi Jatt, Caili Zhang and Hansheng Gong

Foods 2024, 13(22), 3670; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13223670 - 18 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Sweet cherry has a short shelf life due to the occurrence of senescence and fungal infection after harvest. This study aimed to study the effects of high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) on the physicochemical properties and fungal composition of sweet cherry during cold storage. [...] Read more.

Sweet cherry has a short shelf life due to the occurrence of senescence and fungal infection after harvest. This study aimed to study the effects of high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) on the physicochemical properties and fungal composition of sweet cherry during cold storage. The experiments were conducted at 4 °C for 28 days and the quality indicators were determined every 7 days during the period of storage. The fungal composition on sweet cherry was determined using high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that HVEF could better maintain the total soluble solids and inhibit the respiration of cherries. The decay incidence in sweet cherries was decreased by HVEF during cold storage. High-throughput sequencing revealed that HVEF could alter the fungal community and increase the fungal diversity on sweet cherries. Compared with the control group, HVEF decreased the abundance of Alternaria and Cladosporium on sweet cherries, while Aureobasidium, as a nonpathogenic fungus, increased and became the dominant strain at the end of the storage period. In summary, HVEF can improve the physicochemical properties of sweet cherry by inhibiting respiration and can reduce decay incidence by inhibiting specific pathogenic fungi. HVEF is expected to become an efficient and promising technology for the preservation of fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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Effect of HVEF on physicochemical properties of sweet cherry. The TSS (A), TA (B), respiration rate (C), L* value (D), and a* value (E) of sweet cherry; * represents significant difference at p < 0.05 (n = 3). Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of HVEF on decay incidence (A) and yeast and mold count (B) of sweet cherry; * and ** represent significant difference at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively (n = 3). Full article ">Figure 3
The phylogenetic tree of fungi on sweet cherry at genus level; 14 and 28 represent the days of storage, and IS represents incertae sedis. Full article ">Figure 4
Effect of HVEF on fungal alpha diversity of sweet cherry. (A) Rarefaction curves; (B) rank abundance curves; (C) alpha diversity indexes; 14 and 28 represent the days of storage. The diversity indexes were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis test; * represents significant difference (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
Fungal community composition on sweet cherry. (A) Fungal abundance at phylum level; (B) fungal abundance at genus level. Note: 14 and 28 represent the days of storage. Full article ">Figure 6
Relative abundance of fungal function (FUNGuild) annotation; 14 and 28 represent the days of storage. Full article ">Figure 7
Correlation analysis of the quality parameters of sweet cherry; * and ** represent difference at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. Full article ">

17 pages, 4098 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy and Molecular Mechanisms of Nystatin Against Botrytis cinerea on Postharvest Table Grape

by Yingying Wu, Shen Zhang, Jingyi Wang, Fan He, Haocheng Wei, Dongxiao Chen and Ying Wang

Foods 2024, 13(22), 3624; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13223624 - 13 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The primary cause of postharvest loss in table grape fruit is attributed to gray mold, which is caused by Botrytis cinerea. The present study confirmed the inhibitory effects of nystatin on the growth and development of B. cinerea, which led to [...] Read more.

The primary cause of postharvest loss in table grape fruit is attributed to gray mold, which is caused by Botrytis cinerea. The present study confirmed the inhibitory effects of nystatin on the growth and development of B. cinerea, which led to a remarkable reduction in the severity of gray mold on table grape fruits. Furthermore, the application of nystatin disrupted the membrane permeability of B. cinerea, causing increased cellular leakage and cell death. In addition, the transcriptome analysis showed that the application of nystatin effectively modulated the transcriptional profile of genes involved in ribosome and mitochondrion biogenesis, as well as oxidoreductase activity, thereby disrupting the homeostasis of cellular organelles. Moreover, the nystatin treatment down-regulated genes associated with membrane trafficking, protein degradation by the ubiquitin–proteasome system, and the autophagy process, ultimately attenuating the pathogenicity of B. cinerea. Collectively, nystatin can be considered a viable agent for managing gray mold on table grape fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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Nystatin dose-dependently reduces the virulence of B. cinerea on harvested table grape fruits. (A) Lesion development of gray mold on harvested table grape fruits. (B) Lesion diameter. The distinct lowercase letters placed above the bars denote a statistically significant variance at p < 0.05 (Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 2
The antifungal activity of nystatin against the vegetative growth of B. cinerea. (A) Mycelial growth on PDA medium. (B) Colony diameter. The distinct lowercase letters placed above the bars denote a statistically significant variance at p < 0.05 (Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 3
The antifungal activity of nystatin against spore germination of B. cinerea. (A) Spore morphology following nystatin treatment. Bar = 50 μm. (B) Germination rate of B. cinerea following treatment with varying concentrations of nystatin. (C) Germ tube length of B. cinerea. The distinct lowercase letters placed above the bars denote a statistically significant variance at p < 0.05 (Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 4
Nystatin decreases the cell viability of B. cinerea. (A) Microscopic observations of FDA staining of B. cinerea (bar = 20 μm). (B) Percentages of stained B. cinerea. The distinct lowercase letters placed above the bars denote a statistically significant variance at p < 0.05 (Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 5
Nystatin treatment causes membrane lipid peroxidation and cellular leakage of B. cinerea. (A) MDA production. (B) Electrical conductivity. (C) Nucleic acid content. (D) Soluble carbohydrate content. (E) Soluble protein content. The asterisks indicate statistically significant divergences from the control group, as ascertained by the Student’s t-test (** p < 0.01). Full article ">Figure 6
Transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in B. cinerea under 1.2 mg/L nystatin treatment compared to the control. GO classification analysis results for the up-regulated DEGs (A) and down-regulated DEGs (B). KEGG pathway analysis results for the up-regulated DEGs (C) and down-regulated DEGs (D). The size of the dots corresponds to the number of enriched genes, while the color intensity reflects their statistical significance. Full article ">Figure 7
The relative expression levels of twelve DEGs related to secreted proteolytic activity, phytotoxin biosynthesis, melanin biosynthesis, and oxidoreductase activity were validated by RT-qPCR. The distinct lowercase letters placed above the bars denote a statistically significant variance at p < 0.05 (Duncan’s test). Full article ">Figure 8
Nystatin disrupts the autophagic process. (A) Schematic depiction of autophagy. (B) The DEGs involved in the autophagy pathway, where green boxes indicate down-regulated genes and black boxes represent stable genes. <a href="#app1-foods-13-03624" class="html-app">Table S1</a> provides detailed information on these DEGs. (C) RT-qPCR analysis of 9 autophagy-related genes. The asterisks indicate statistically significant divergences from the control group, as ascertained by the Student’s t-test (** p < 0.01). Full article ">

15 pages, 4109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Novel Insights into the Effects of SO₂ on the Postharvest Quality of ‘Munage’ Table Grapes

by Zhenliang Mou, Yuyao Yuan, Wei Wei, Yating Zhao, Bin Wu and Jianye Chen

Foods 2024, 13(21), 3494; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13213494 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 973

Abstract

Postharvest grapes exhibit a limited shelf life due to susceptibility to rot and deterioration, significantly reducing their nutritional and economic value. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a widely recognized preservative for extending grape storage life. This study performed a detailed analysis of [...] Read more.

Postharvest grapes exhibit a limited shelf life due to susceptibility to rot and deterioration, significantly reducing their nutritional and economic value. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a widely recognized preservative for extending grape storage life. This study performed a detailed analysis of ‘Munage’ table grapes treated with SO₂ fumigation, employing transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Results indicate that SO₂ fumigation significantly extends the shelf life of grapes, as demonstrated by improved visual quality, reduced decay rates, and increased fruit firmness. We identified 309 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 1906 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 135 transcription factors (TFs). Both DEGs and DAMs showed significant enrichment of flavonoid-related metabolism compared with the control, and the relative content of four flavonoid metabolites (Wogonin-7-O-glucuronide, Acacetin-7-O-glucuronide, Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, and Baicalein 7-O-glucuronide) were significantly increased in grapes upon SO₂ treatment, suggesting that SO₂ treatment had a substantial regulatory effect on grape flavonoid metabolism. Importantly, we constructed complex regulatory networks by screening key enzyme genes (e.g., PAL, 4CLs, CHS, CHI2, and UGT88F3) related to the metabolism of target flavonoid, as well as potential regulatory transcription factors (TFs). Overall, our findings offer new insights into the regulatory mechanisms by which SO₂ maintains the postharvest quality of table grapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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The SO2 treatment maintains the appearance and postharvest quality of ‘Munage’ table grapes during storage at 10 °C for 20 d. (A) Alterations in visual appearance of control and SO2-treated grapes. (B,C) Comparison of firmness and decay rate in ‘Munage’ grapes under control and SO2 treatment. The data in (B,C) represent the average plus or minus standard error of three biological replicates. Asterisks indicate statistical significance between control and SO2-treated grapes, with ** indicating p < 0.01. Full article ">Figure 2
Overview of ‘Munage’ table grapes transcriptome with control and SO2 treatment. (A) PCA score plot profiles and (B) correlation heat map from transcriptomic data. (C) Venn diagram presenting the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CK-0d vs. SO2-0d, CK-10d vs. SO2-10d, CK-15d vs. SO2-15d, and CK-20d vs. SO2-20d comparisons. (D) Volcano plots of up-regulated and down-regulated genes between control and SO2-treated group. (E) KEGG enrichment pathways of DEGs from different comparison groups. Full article ">Figure 3
Transcription factors (TFs) involved in SO2-regulated quality in postharvest grapes. (A) Statistics of differentially expressed TFs from different families. (B) Heat map showing the expression trends of differentially expressed TFs. Full article ">Figure 4
Overview of ‘Munage’ table grapes metabolome with control and SO2 treatment. (A) PCA of control and SO2-treated group from metabolomics data. (B) Statistics of the types and amounts of identified metabolites. (C) Venn diagram presenting the differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) in the CK-0d vs. SO2-0d, CK-10d vs. SO2-10d, CK-15d vs. SO2-15d, and CK-20d vs. SO2-20d comparisons. (D) KEGG enrichment pathways of DAMs from different comparison groups. Full article ">Figure 5
Analysis of DAMs associated with SO2 maintaining grape quality. (A) k-means clustering analysis of differentially accumulated flavonoid metabolites. (B) Heat map of the DAMs in class 1 and class 4. (C) Up-regulated and down-regulated DAMs in different comparison group (TOP10). Full article ">Figure 6
Correlation networks constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). (A) Hierarchical clustering tree of 16,051 genes (with FPKM ≥ 1) by WGCNA. (B) Module–trait associations, with the columns and rows representing specific flavonoid compounds and modules, respectively. Correlation coefficients are displayed via a color scale, with p-values in parentheses. (C) Heat map and common expression patterns according to the FPKM of each gene in the brown module. (D) Co-expression regulatory network of flavonoid-related genes and TFs in the brown module. Yellow circles denote the structural genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. Differently colored diamonds represent TFs from various families, whose expressions were significantly positively correlated with the identified genes (PCC > 0.85). Connecting lines are drawn based on the correlation coefficients of the nodes, with darker colors indicating stronger correlations. Abbreviations are defined as follows: PAL, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase; CHS, chalcone synthase; 4CL, 4-coumarate-CoA ligas; CHI, chalcone-flavonone isomerase; F3H, flavanone 3-dioxygenase; UGT, UDP-glycosyltransferase. Full article ">

13 pages, 3094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Treatment Maintains the Postharvest Quality of Litchi Fruit by Inducing Antioxidant Capacity

by Xiaomeng Guo, Qiao Li, Tao Luo, Dandan Xu, Difa Zhu, Jingyi Li, Dongmei Han and Zhenxian Wu

Foods 2024, 13(21), 3357; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13213357 - 23 Oct 2024

Viewed by 959

Abstract

Pericarp browning and fruit decay severely reduce the postharvest quality of litchi. Improving the antioxidant capacity of the fruit is an effective way to solve these problems. In our study, the appropriate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) treatment and its mechanism of action [...] Read more.

Pericarp browning and fruit decay severely reduce the postharvest quality of litchi. Improving the antioxidant capacity of the fruit is an effective way to solve these problems. In our study, the appropriate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) treatment and its mechanism of action on the storability of litchi was investigated. Litchi fruit was soaked in a 100 mg·L⁻¹ ZnO NPs suspension, water, and 500 mg·L⁻¹ prochloraz for 2 min, respectively. The results showed that the ZnO NPs treatment delayed pericarp browning and decay in litchi fruit and was more effective than prochloraz treatment. The ZnO NPs-treated fruit showed significantly increased contents of total anthocyanin, total phenols, and activities of DPPH scavenging, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as the lowest activities of polyphenol oxidase and laccase. ZnO NPs generated hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radicals, which were beneficial in slowing down the decay and inducing antioxidant capacity. However, these reactive oxygen species also consumed catalase, peroxidase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. This means that litchi should be treated with an appropriate concentration of ZnO NPs. We concluded that treatment with a 100 mg·L⁻¹ ZnO NPs suspension could induce antioxidant capacity, which is a promising and effective method to maintain the postharvest quality of litchi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
Effects of ZnO NPs treatment on litchi pericarp browning index (A) and decay (B) during storage time. (C) shows the appearance of treated fruit according to the grade of pericarp browning on day 6. Data represent the mean of three replicates ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Different small letters represent significant differences between treatments for each sampling time at p < 0.05, while data without small letters are not significantly different. Full article ">Figure 2
Effects of ZnO NPs treatment on total anthocyanin content (A), total phenols content (B), total flavonoids content (C), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (D), and laccase (Lac) activity (E) of litchi fruit during storage time. Data represent the mean of three replicates ± SEM. Different small letters represent significant differences between treatments for each sampling time at p < 0.05, while data without small letters are not significantly different. Full article ">Figure 3
Effects of ZnO NPs treatment on superoxide anion radical (O2−·) production rate (A), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content (B), DPPH scavenging activity (C), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (D), catalase (CAT) activity (E), and peroxidase (POD) activity (F) of litchi fruit during storage time. Data represent the mean of three replicates ± SEM. Different small letters represent significant differences between treatments for each sampling time at p < 0.05, while data without small letters are not significantly different. Full article ">Figure 4
Effects of ZnO NPs treatment on glutathione (GSH) content (A), glutathione disulfide (GSSG) content (B), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (C), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity (D) of litchi fruit during storage time. Data represent the mean of three replicates ± SEM. Different small letters represent significant differences between treatments for each sampling time at p < 0.05, while data without small letters are not significantly different. Full article ">Figure 5
Correlation and hierarchical clustering of pericarp browning with fruit decay and antioxidant indices (A), and correlation and hierarchical clustering of fruit decay with pericarp browning and antioxidant indices (B). *, significant correlation (p < 0.05); **, significant correlation (p < 0.01). Full article ">

16 pages, 16550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin Rinsing Treatment Associated with Storage in a Controlled Atmosphere Improves the Antioxidant Capacity and Overall Quality of Lemons

by Mengjiao Yang, Enlan Zheng, Ziqin Lin, Ze Miao, Yuhang Li, Shiting Hu, Yanan Gao, Yuqian Jiang, Lingling Pang and Xihong Li

Foods 2024, 13(20), 3298; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13203298 - 17 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Antioxidant capacity is one of the most important biological activities in fruits and vegetables and is closely related to human health. In this study, ‘Eureka’ lemons were used as experimental materials and stored at 7–8 °C MT (melatonin, 200 μmol, soaked for 15 [...] Read more.

Antioxidant capacity is one of the most important biological activities in fruits and vegetables and is closely related to human health. In this study, ‘Eureka’ lemons were used as experimental materials and stored at 7–8 °C MT (melatonin, 200 μmol, soaked for 15 min) and CA (controlled atmosphere, 2–3% O₂ + 15–16% CO₂) individually or in combination for 30 d. The changes in lemon fruits’ basic physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and antioxidant capacities were studied. Comparing the combined treatment to the control, the outcomes demonstrated a significant reduction in weight loss, firmness, stomatal opening, and inhibition of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities. Additionally, the combined treatment maintained high levels of titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C (VC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity and preserved the lemon aroma. Meanwhile, the correlation between fruit color, aroma compounds, and antioxidant capacity was revealed, providing valuable insights into the postharvest preservation of lemons. In conclusion, the combined treatment (MT + CA) was effective in maintaining the quality and antioxidant capacity of lemons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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The visual appearance of lemons treated with MT and/or CA. Full article ">Figure 2
Basic physicochemical properties of MT or/and CA-treated lemons during 30 d of cold storage at 7–8 °C versus control. (A) Weight loss; (B) SSC; (C) peel hardness; (D) flesh hardness; (E) TA; (F) VC. Values represent means ± SD in triplicate, and different letters denote significant differences compared to the control during the same storage time at the p < 0.05 level. Full article ">Figure 3
Effects of MT, CA, or combined treatments on ROS production and membrane peroxidation compared with the control within the same storage time. (A) TPC, (B) DPPH scavenging capacity, (C) H2O2, (D) CAT activity. Values were expressed in the mean ± SD (n = 3), and different letters suggest significant differences within different treatments compared with control at p < 0.05. Full article ">Figure 4
Changes in enzyme activities and membrane peroxidation in MT or/and CA-treated lemons during 30 d of cold storage at 7–8 °C versus control. (A) POD; (B) PPO; (C) PAL; (D) MDA. Values represent means ± SD in triplicate, and different letters indicate significant differences at the p < 0.05 level compared with the control during the same storage time. Full article ">Figure 5
E-nose sensing on volatile organic compounds from MT, CA-treated, or mixed-treated lemons during storage at 7–8 °C compared to control. (A) E-nose sensing profiles on day 0, (B) day 5, (C) day 15, and (D) day 30. W1C: Aromatic, benzene; W5S: Broad range, oxynitride; W3C: Aromatic, ammoniac compounds; W6S: Hydrogen, hydride; W5C: Arom-aliph; W1S: Broad-methane; W1W: Sulfur-organic; W2S: Broad-alcohol; W2W: Sulph-chlor; W3S: Methane-aliph. Full article ">Figure 6
SEM images of MT and/or CA-treated lemon fruits stored at 7–8 °C for 30 d stomata compared to control. The SEM used an analytical mode of secondary electrons with a magnification of 2.00 k, a spot size of 2.00 k × 20.0 μm–30.0 μm, and a working distance of 9.5 mm. Full article ">Figure 7
Pearson correlation coefficients for lemon quality traits, including Chroma c*, Chlorophyll, weight loss, SSC, peel hardness, flesh hardness, TA, VC, POD, PPO, PAL, MDA, TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, H2O2, CAT, and the following volatile substances: Aromatic (benzene), Broad alcohol, Arom-aliph, Broad oxynitride. Red and blue dots are positive and negative correlations, respectively, and the number shown is the correlation coefficient. Full article ">

22 pages, 1510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vapor-Phase Essential Oils as Antifungal Agents against Penicillium olsonii Causing Postharvest Cherry Tomato Rot

by Monika Mrvová, Juraj Medo, Jana Lakatošová, Zuzana Barboráková, Marcel Golian, Zuzana Mašková and Dana Tančinová

Foods 2024, 13(19), 3202; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193202 - 9 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025

Abstract

Recent reports of P. olsonii causing postharvest rot of cherry tomatoes emphasize the need for effective strategies to prolong fruit shelf life. This study is the first to explore the use of essential oils (EOs), recognized for their antimicrobial properties, as a potential [...] Read more.

Recent reports of P. olsonii causing postharvest rot of cherry tomatoes emphasize the need for effective strategies to prolong fruit shelf life. This study is the first to explore the use of essential oils (EOs), recognized for their antimicrobial properties, as a potential method to prevent postharvest losses from P. olsonii. Antifungal activity was tested for ten EOs at a concentration of 625 μL/L using the vapor diffusion method. Thyme, wild thyme, savory, oregano, and marjoram completely inhibited fungal growth over 14 days. Thyme EO, at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 250 μL/L, fully inhibited all strains, while oregano, wild thyme, and savory were effective at 500 μL/L. Marjoram EO showed weaker activity. The lowest IC90 values, ranging from 35.72 to 162.72 μL/L, were estimated for thyme and oregano. In cherry tomatoes, oregano EO completely halted P. olsonii growth at 250 μL/L; thyme was effective for seven days; wild thyme and savory for two days. Thyme EO prevented P. olsonii spore germination at 500 μL/L for seven days, though germination occurred at half that concentration. The IC90 values varied between 256.2 and 138.7 μL/L depending on the strain. The vapor phase of EOs at 125 μL/L influenced the sensory characteristics of cherry tomatoes; however, for thyme and oregano, this effect was not negative due to their culinary association with tomato flavor. The selected EOs could be used to control and prevent postharvest fruit losses, but further research is needed to optimize their application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 7185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Melatonin Treatment Alleviates Chilling Injury of Loquat Fruit via Modulating ROS Metabolism

by Jiahui Wan, Yanting Wu, Zhihong Tong, Wenbing Su, Hetong Lin and Zhongqi Fan

Foods 2024, 13(19), 3050; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193050 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 900

Abstract

Cold storage is one of the most effective methods to maintain postharvest fruit quality. However, loquat fruits are prone to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage, appearing as symptoms such as browning and pitting, which leads to quality deterioration and economic losses. In [...] Read more.

Cold storage is one of the most effective methods to maintain postharvest fruit quality. However, loquat fruits are prone to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage, appearing as symptoms such as browning and pitting, which leads to quality deterioration and economic losses. In this study, the effects of melatonin on CI alleviation and the potential role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in loquat fruit were investigated. The results showed that 50 μM melatonin was the optimal concentration to inhibit the increase in CI index and cell membrane permeability. Moreover, compared to control fruits, 50 μM melatonin inhibited the malonaldehyde (MDA) content, O₂^−. production rate and H₂O₂ content (ROS accumulation) by 17.8%, 7.2% and 11.8%, respectively, during cold storage. Compared to non-treated loquats, 50 μM melatonin maintained higher levels of 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging ability and reducing power, as well as the contents of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH). Additionally, 50 μM melatonin enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by increasing relevant gene expressions. The activities of SOD, CAT and APX were increased by up to 1.1-, 1.1- and 1.1-times (16 d) by melatonin, as compared with the control fruits. These findings indicate that melatonin mitigation of CI is involved in maintaining cellular redox apphomeostasis in loquat fruit during cold storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 3898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

6-BA Delays the Senescence of Postharvest Cabbage Leaves by Inhibiting Respiratory Metabolism

by Cimei Wang, Yingying Yang, Jieting Yu, Zongli Liu, Wei Wei, Jianye Chen, Jianhua Zhu and Riming Huang

Foods 2024, 13(11), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111607 - 22 May 2024

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Abstract

6-BA, a small molecule compound of cytokinins, has been proven to delay leaf senescence in different species, including Chinese flowering cabbage; however, its specific mechanism remains relatively unknown. In this study, the application of external 6-BA delayed leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage, [...] Read more.

6-BA, a small molecule compound of cytokinins, has been proven to delay leaf senescence in different species, including Chinese flowering cabbage; however, its specific mechanism remains relatively unknown. In this study, the application of external 6-BA delayed leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage, showing that 6-BA effectively prevented the decrease in the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and overall chlorophyll content and suppressed the expression of the senescence-associated gene BrSAG12 over a 7-day period of storage. Moreover, treatment with 6-BA decreased the respiratory rate, NAD(H) content, the activities of hexose phosphate isomerase (PHI), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the transcriptional abundance of related genes by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, 6-BA also increased the activity and expression levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphate gluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH). The group treated with 6-BA retained elevated levels of NADP (H), ATP, total ATPase, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase (NADK) activity, as well as the expression of respiratory enzymes. Molecular docking indicated that 6-BA hinders the glycolysis pathway (EMP), tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and cytochrome pathway (CCP), and sustains elevated levels of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) through interactions with the PHI, SDH, 6-PGDH, G6PDH, CCO, and AAO proteins, consequently delaying postharvest leaf senescence in Chinese flowering cabbage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acidic Electrolyzed Water Maintains the Storage Quality of Postharvest Wampee Fruit by Activating the Disease Resistance

by Yuzhao Lin, Hongbin Chen, Sisi Dong, Yazhen Chen, Xuanjing Jiang and Yihui Chen

Foods 2024, 13(10), 1556; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13101556 - 16 May 2024

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Abstract

Harvested wampee fruit is susceptible to disease, resulting in postharvest losses. Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), a safe and innovative sterilization technology, plays a role in enhancing disease resistance in harvested produce. In this study, the efficacy of AEW in delaying wampee disease development [...] Read more.

Harvested wampee fruit is susceptible to disease, resulting in postharvest losses. Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW), a safe and innovative sterilization technology, plays a role in enhancing disease resistance in harvested produce. In this study, the efficacy of AEW in delaying wampee disease development was assessed, along with its association with disease resistance metabolism. Wampee fruit was treated with AEW (pH 2.5) at different available chlorine concentrations (ACCs) (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/L) and subsequently stored at 25 °C for 8 days. Results revealed that 40 mg/L ACC in AEW (pH 2.5) was most effective in improving the postharvest quality of wampee fruit. Compared with control wampee fruit, those treated with 40 mg/L ACC in AEW exhibited lower incidence of fruit disease, higher pericarp lignin content, and higher activities of pericarp disease resistance enzymes (DREs), such as cinnamate-4-hydroxylase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, polyphenol oxidase, 4-coumarate CoA ligase, and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase. These results suggested that AEW elevated DRE activities, promoted lignin accumulation, and ultimately enhanced disease resistance, suppressed disease development, and improved storage quality in harvested wampee fruit. Consequently, AEW emerged as a safe technology to mitigate the disease development and enhance the storage quality of harvested wampee fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 5871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effect and Potential Antagonistic Mechanism of Isolated Epiphytic Yeasts against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata in Postharvest Blueberry Fruits

by Jia Li, Ting Yang, Furong Yuan, Xinyue Lv and Yahan Zhou

Foods 2024, 13(9), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091334 - 26 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1437

Abstract

This study evaluated the biocontrol effect of isolated epiphytic yeasts (Papiliotrema terrestris, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Rhodosporidium glutinis) against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata in blueberry fruits and its possible mechanisms. Our findings indicated that the three tested yeasts exerted a [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the biocontrol effect of isolated epiphytic yeasts (Papiliotrema terrestris, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Rhodosporidium glutinis) against Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata in blueberry fruits and its possible mechanisms. Our findings indicated that the three tested yeasts exerted a good biocontrol effect on postharvest diseases in blueberry, and that H. uvarum was the most effective. In addition, the three tested yeasts could improve the postharvest storage quality of blueberry fruits to some extent. H. uvarum demonstrated the strongest direct inhibitory effect on pathogens by suppressing spore germination, mycelial growth, and antifungal volatile organic compound (VOC) production. P. terrestris showed the highest extracellular lytic enzymes activities. It also had better adaptation to low temperature in fruit wounds at 4 °C. The biofilm formation capacity was suggested to be the main action mechanism of R. glutinis, which rapidly colonized fruit wounds at 20 °C. Several action mechanisms are employed by the superb biocontrol yeasts, while yeast strains possess distinctive characteristics and have substantially different action mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">Figure 1
In vivo antagonistic activities of P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis in hindering B. cinerea and A. alternata on blueberry fruits. Impact of yeasts are referring to (A) disease incidence and (B) lesion diameter resulting from B. cinerea, and (C) disease incidence and (D) lesion diameter caused by A. alternata after inoculation at 20 °C. Pt, Hu, and Rg in the figure denote P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis, respectively. Data in columns with different letters at same time are of significant difference based on Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 2
Effect of P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis on spore germination of B. cinerea (A) and A. alternata (B). Pt, Hu, and Rg in the figure denote P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis, respectively. Data in columns with different letters at same time are of significant difference in line with Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 3
The yeasts’ biofilm formation ability. The biofilm formation was tested for P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis. Pt, Hu, and Rg in the figure denote P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis, respectively. The OD values (A) and the phenomenon of color development (B) suggest the capacity of yeast cells to adhere to the polystyrene plates. The data in the columns with different letters at the same time are of significant difference based on Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 4
Extracellular lytic enzyme activity of yeasts. Chitinase activities of yeasts in presence of cell wall preparations (CWPs) of B. cinerea (A) and A. alternata (B). β-1,3-glucanase activities of yeasts in presence of CWPs of B. cinerea (C) and A. alternata (D). Pt, Hu, and Rg in figure denote P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis, respectively. Different letters at same time indicate statistically significant differences based on Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Full article ">Figure 5
Population dynamics of P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis in wounds of blueberry fruits at 20 °C (A) and 4 °C (B). Hu, Pt, and Rg in figure denote P. terrestris, H. uvarum, and R. glutinis, respectively. Different letters at same time indicate statistically significant differences based on Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05). Full article ">

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21 pages, 1558 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in the Understanding of Postharvest Physiological Changes and the Storage and Preservation of Pitaya

by Xiaogang Wang, Jianye Chen, Donglan Luo and Liangjie Ba

Foods 2024, 13(9), 1307; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091307 - 24 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

Highly prized for its unique taste and appearance, pitaya is a tasty, low-calorie fruit. It has a high-water content, a high metabolism, and a high susceptibility to pathogens, resulting in an irreversible process of tissue degeneration or quality degradation and eventual loss of [...] Read more.

Highly prized for its unique taste and appearance, pitaya is a tasty, low-calorie fruit. It has a high-water content, a high metabolism, and a high susceptibility to pathogens, resulting in an irreversible process of tissue degeneration or quality degradation and eventual loss of commercial value, leading to economic loss. High quality fruits are a key guarantee for the healthy development of economic advantages. However, the understanding of postharvest conservation technology and the regulation of maturation, and senescence of pitaya are lacking. To better understand the means of postharvest storage of pitaya, extend the shelf life of pitaya fruit and prospect the postharvest storage technology, this paper analyzes and compares the postharvest quality changes of pitaya fruit, preservation technology, and senescence regulation mechanisms. This study provides research directions for the development of postharvest storage and preservation technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Biological and Technological Research of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable: 2nd Edition)

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