Effects of Pre-Harvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatments on Bioactive Compounds and Peel Color Development of “Fuji” Apples

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of pre-harvest methyl jasmonate treatments on peel color formation, total anthocyanin, total phenolics, total antioxidant capacity, and other selected fruit quality parameters of "Fuji" apples. Results revealed significant decreases in color parameters (L * , chroma, and hue values) with methyl jasmonate treatments. Total anthocyanin, total phenolics, and total antioxidant capacity of methyl jasmonate-treated fruits were significantly higher than control fruits. Methyl jasmonate concentrations increase linearly with increase in total anthocyanin, total phenolics, and total antioxidant capacity with high correlations. Ethylene synthesis-promoting impact of methyl jasmonate increased with increasing implementation doses. Methyl jasmonate treatments also increased fruit flesh firmness. While 1120 and 2240 mg/L methyl jasmonate treatments did not cause any significant changes in the starch degradation, 4480 mg/L methyl jasmonate treatment delayed the starch degradation. All methyl jasmonate treatments did not cause any or much significant changes in fruit mass, geometric mean diameter and soluble solids content of the fruits but yielded significant increase in titratable acidity values.

Preharvest application of methyl jasmonate increases crop yield, fruit quality and bioactive compounds in pomegranate ‘Mollar de Elche’ at harvest and during postharvest storage

“…Currently, most of the knowledge about MeJA effects on fruit quality attributes and ripening is derived from postharvest treatments, which have been focused on reducing a number of stress‐induced injuries during the postharvest period such as chilling injury, infection by some pathogens and mechanical stress among others . In addition, MeJA treatments applied as foliar spray during fruit development on tree, either in climacteric or non‐climacteric fruits, have been reported to increase phenolic and anthocyanin concentrations in table grapes, plums, black currants and apples as well as phenolic concentration in juice and flavedo of lemon fruits . Similar effects of preharvest MeJA treatments on increasing phenolic compound have been achieved on artichoke heads .…”

“…). Accordingly, MeJA treatments led to accumulation of anthocyanins and other polyphenol compounds in plums, black currants, mangos, apples, table grape, grapevine and wines and artichoke heads as well as in juice and flavedo of lemon fruits, as a result of enhanced phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) activity and increased expression of genes codifying enzymes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway . Then, MeJA treatments would lead to improved quality and health properties of pomegranate consumption, given the role of phenolics, including anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid in these properties …”

The Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Invasive Effect of Leaf Extracts of Blueberry Plants Treated with Methyl Jasmonate on Human Gastric Cancer In Vitro Is Related to Their Antioxidant Properties

“…The induction of phenolic compound synthesis and/or accumulation of plant species in response to MeJA applications, including berries, was reviewed by Reyes-Diaz et al [43]. In fact, there is evidence indicating that MeJA treatments increment anthocyanin accumulation in strawberries [48] and apple fruits [49]. Interestingly, Cocetta et al [50] detected an increased expression of phenylalanine ammonium lyase, chalcone synthase, and anthocyanidin synthase genes in blueberry plants, as well as increments of epicatechin and anthocyanin concentrations in plants of blueberry treated with MeJA.…”

Pre‐harvest methyl jasmonate treatments increase antioxidant systems in lemon fruit without affecting yield or other fruit quality parameters

“…In addition, MeJA applied as post‐ or pre‐harvest treatment has been shown to have positive effects on increasing fruit bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential, as well as health beneficial effects . Thus, MeJA treatment during on‐plant fruit development increased phenolics and anthocyanins in plums, sweet cherry, black currants, raspsberries, apples, grapewine and globe artichoke as a result of enhanced phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) activity, leading to improved quality and health properties with respect to fresh fruit and vegetable consumption . Specifically, in lemon fruit, a recent study reported the effect of postharvest MeJA treatment with respect to increasing phenolic content in flavedo, which was related to increased chilling injury tolerance during cold storage …”