Nitric Oxide (NO) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): New Potential Biotechnological Tools for Postharvest Storage of Horticultural Crops

Abstract

Storage and maintenance of horticultural products in optimal conditions for a reasonable period, once they have been harvested is a technological challenge. Diverse methods are generally used, i.e., low temperature but, in many cases, it may provoke undesirable collateral effects such as softening or promoting pathogens infections, thus causing their deterioration. Nitric oxide (·NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are compounds generated endogenously by plants with signaling properties that mediate fruit development and ripening. Additionally, when these molecules are applied exogenously, they can provide benefits such as maintaining the quality of horticultural products and even prolonging their shelf-life once they are stored. This review provides a broad perspective of ·NO and H2S metabolism in plant cells and, in addition, different plant models are described of how the exogenous application of either NO or H2S to horticultural products preserves nutritional quality during postharvest storage. Graphical Abstract

NO and H2S Contribute to Crop Resilience against Atmospheric Stressors

“…• NO and H 2 S have become paradoxical molecules in plant biology since they have gone from being hazardous molecules to becoming essential molecules in cellular metabolism, regulating physiological processes from seed germination, root development, photosynthesis, senescence, stomatal closure, formation of flowers and fruit ripening, in addition to participating in the response mechanisms against challenging environments. Paradoxically, the available information demonstrates that the exogenous application of these molecules can be biotechnological tools that allow for promoting crop resilience [ 137 , 138 ]. In most cases, these gasotransmitters stimulate enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, for example, the APX activity is upregulated by S-nitrosation and persulfidation [ 139 , 140 ] which makes it possible to alleviate oxidative damage associated with atmospheric stressors, protecting the functionality of cells, and maintaining photosynthetic activity ( Figure 5 ).…”

“…Sci. 2024, 25, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 14 these molecules can be biotechnological tools that allow for promoting crop resilience [137,138]. In most cases, these gasotransmitters stimulate enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, for example, the APX activity is upregulated by S-nitrosation and persulfidation [139,140] which makes it possible to alleviate oxidative damage associated with atmospheric stressors, protecting the functionality of cells, and maintaining photosynthetic activity (Figure 5).…”