Exogenous Ethylene Promotes Peel Color Transformation by Regulating the Degradation of Chlorophyll and Synthesis of Anthocyanin in Postharvest Mango Fruit

Abstract

Due to geographical location and climatic factors, postharvest storage and preservation of tropical fruits and vegetables are still facing huge challenges. Ethephon (ETH) is widely used as an ethylene donor to achieve the commercial color and flavor of climacteric fruits. However, the effect of ETH on fruit coloration was affected by many factors, such as fruit species, plant hormones, and storage conditions. In this study, the main mango variety “Guifei” in Hainan, China, was used to study the effects of different concentrations of ETH on fruit ripening and coloration during storage at 25°C. Results showed that postharvest treatment with ETH (300, 500, and 900 mg·L−1) enhanced the activities of ACS and ACO, stimulated the release of endogenous ethylene, and accelerated fruit softening and color transformation. Compared with control, ETH treatment not only accelerated the breakdown of chlorophyll with higher activities of Chlase and MDCase but also induced the synthesis of carotenoid and anthocyanin with higher activities of PAL, CHI, DFR, and UFGT. Moreover, the changes in DFR and UFGT activities coincided with the increase in ETH concentration. Further, correlation analysis showed that the production of endogenous ethylene induced by ETH was significantly negatively correlated with firmness and chlorophyll content, whereas positively correlated with MDA content and anthocyanin content. This study suggests that the positive effect of ETH on “Guifei” mango color transformation is concentration-dependent within a certain concentration range. Anthocyanin is the main pigment for the red formation of “Guifei” mango, and DFR and UFGT may play critical roles in anthocyanin synthesis. ETH promoted the red coloration by promoting the release of endogenous ethylene and enhancing the activities of anthocyanin synthesis enzymes.

1-Methylcyclopropene counteracts ethylene promotion of fruit softening and roles of MiERF2/8 and MiPG in postharvest mangoes

“…The production of ethylene was determined following the procedures described by Chen et al with minor modifications ( Chen et al, 2022 ). Three mango fruit were weighed and sealed in a 12 l airtight jar for 2 h at 25°C.…”

“…MDA content was determined according to our previous reports with minor modifications ( Shao et al, 2012 ; Chen et al, 2022 ). The 6 g of fresh pulp were mixed with 6 ml of 0.05 M (pH = 7.8) phosphate buffer and centrifuged at 13,500 rpm for 30 min.…”

“…Mango is a typical respiratory climacteric fruit and its general softening and ethylene behavior have been well documented (Tovar et al, 2011;Zaharah et al, 2013;Chen et al, 2022). During 'Samar Bahisht Chaunsa' mango fruit ripening, activities of exo-PG, endo-PG and endo-1,4-β-d-glucanase gradually increase and activity of PE decreases, which coordinately controls mango fruit softening (Razzaq et al, 2013(Razzaq et al, , 2014(Razzaq et al, , 2015.…”

Sustainable Postharvest Treatments for Prolonging Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Shelf Life by Minimizing the Development of Physiological Disorders

“…The discoloration of white asparagus is associated with the development of yellow, red, and violet colors mainly in the spear tips and secondarily in the stem, as well as a glassy (glassiness) or brown (browning) color mainly in the lower and middle surface area of the spears (i.e., stem) and less frequently on the bracts (Figure ). ,, Several postharvest parameters may affect white asparagus discoloration, including light type, duration of exposure to light, variety, handling before storage (i.e., hydrocooling, injuries on asparagus spears), and storage conditions (i.e., temperature, atmosphere composition, duration). ,,,− The development of yellow, red, and violet colors in asparagus is due to the synthesis and accumulation of flavonols (for the yellow color) and anthocyanins (for the red and violet color) in the epidermal tissue. ,, PAL has been characterized as a key enzyme in anthocyanin synthesis since it catalyzes the conversion of phenylalanine into cinnamic acid, a precursor for the anthocyanin metabolic pathway. Additionally, other enzymes such as C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3′H, DFR, ANS, and 3GT are also responsible for anthocyanin synthesis in asparagus. , Future studies are encouraged to investigate the critical factors that trigger the activity of each enzyme and lead to the anthocyanin synthesis in asparagus.…”

Review of the Mechanisms by Which Transcription Factors and Exogenous Substances Regulate ROS Metabolism under Abiotic Stress

“…Exogenous ethylene application could promote female flower differentiation of horticultural crops. Exogenous ethylene promotes mango fruit peel color transformation by regulating the degradation of chlorophyll and synthesis of anthocyanin and fructan accumulation in chicory [ 169 , 170 ]. Some scholars have found that exogenous application of ethephon can increase the content of H 2 O 2 and can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of antioxidant substances [ 74 , 171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 ].…”