Methyl jasmonate does improve postharvest conservation of ‘Golden’ papaya fruit

Abstract

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is recognized as a plant hormone that induces several biochemical changes related to improving fruit quality, but it is evident that the effect of MeJA during postharvest is very variable upon concentration, plant species, and even cultivars. The objective of this research was to relate the application of this regulator at low concentration (10 µmol L-1 for 24 h) to changes in postharvest physiology, on the incidence of anthracnose and quality of ‘Golden’ papaya fruit during storage at 24 ± 1°C. From the seventh day of storage, anthracnose incidence was reduced by more than 50% with MeJA treatment. The lesion area after infection was also reduced. Although, MeJA reduced fruit acidity, the ascorbic acid and soluble solids content were not altered during storage with the hormonal treatment. The skin color and pulp firmness showed slight retention. The reduction in ethylene production was accompanied by a reduction of respiration in treated fruits. MeJa increased CAT activity only in the skin whereas SOD activity was not induced by MeJA in both skin and pulp. Although, the increase of CAT from the third day of storage may have contributed to the reduction of lipid peroxidation in the skin, the MDA reduction in the pulp cannot be explained only by CAT activity. In summary, the application of MeJA in ‘Golden’ papaya reduced the incidence and severity of anthracnose, decreased respiration, ethylene production and lipid peroxidation. It is concluded that the application of MeJA at a low concentration (10 µmol L-1) may contribute to anthracnose control in ´Golden`papaya and slows the ripening of fruits.

Exogenous application of a Burkholderia sp. and jasmonic acid at the postharvest stage for management of anthracnose in dessert banana (Musa acuminata)

“…BSL isolate (1 × 10 8 cfu/mL) and jasmonic acid (0.2 mM) to reduce anthracnose development significantly in banana cultivars Kolikuttu and Seenikesel, under naturally infected and artificially inoculated conditions, proving its potential to control quiescent and wound anthracnose. These findings are in agreement with the large body of research findings elaborated by Ciofini et al (2022) on the reduction of anthracnose in several agricultural commodities by exogenous treatment of microbial antagonists and JA or Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) (Bron et al, 2023; Gonzalez‐Aguilar et al, 2003). Bacteria (e.g.…”

“…JA‐treated fruits of the present study demonstrated either delayed ripening or lowered ripening index in comparison to untreated controls and BS‐treated fruits under both types of inoculations. Endorsing these observations, Bron et al (2023) have reported that exogenous application of jasmonates improves fruit quality of horticultural crops and enhances the resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses at postharvest stage by triggering a series of physiological and biochemical changes. Exogenous application of jasmonates has promoted beneficial fruit quality traits such as reduction of water loss, firmness and organic acids and it has enhanced anthocyanin, total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents (García‐Pastor et al, 2019) and made the treated fruits resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses during the ripening.…”

“…In addition to the confirmation of reducing the anthracnose development under natural and artificially inoculated conditions by C. musae in two cultivars of banana, present study revealed the possible mechanisms of anthracnose reduction caused by BS and JA treatments. JA-treated fruits of the present study demonstrated either delayed ripening or lowered ripening index in comparison to untreated controls and BS-treated fruits under both types of inoculations.Endorsing these observations,Bron et al (2023) have reported that exogenous application of jasmonates improves fruit quality of horticultural crops and enhances the resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses at postharvest stage by triggering a series of physiological and biochemical changes. Exogenous application of jasmonates has promoted beneficial fruit quality traits such as reduction of water loss, firmness and organic acids and it has enhanced anthocyanin, total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents(García-Pastor et al, 2019)…”