Preharvest Application of Chitosan Improves the Postharvest Life of ‘Garmrok’ Kiwifruit through the Modulation of Genes Related to Ethylene Biosynthesis, Cell Wall Modification and Lignin Metabolism

Abstract

The influence of the preharvest application of chitosan on physicochemical properties and changes in gene expression of ‘Garmrok’ kiwifruit during postharvest cold storage (0 °C; RH 90–95%; 90 days) was investigated. Preharvest treatment of chitosan increased the fruit weight but had no significant effect on fruit size. The chitosan treatment suppressed the ethylene production and respiration rate of kiwifruit during the cold storage. The reduction of ethylene production of chitosan-treated kiwifruit was accompanied with the suppressed expression of ethylene biosynthesis genes. Moreover, preharvest application of chitosan diminished weight loss and delayed the changes in physicochemical properties that include firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total sugars, total acids, total phenols, and total lignin. As a result, the preharvest application of chitosan delayed the maturation and ripening of fruit. Expression of genes related to cell wall modification was down-regulated during the early maturation (ripening) period, while those related to gene expression for lignin metabolism were up-regulated at the later stages of ripening. These results demonstrate that the preharvest application of chitosan maintained the fruit quality and extends the postharvest life of ‘Garmrok’ kiwifruit, possibly through the modulation of genes related to ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall modification, and lignin metabolism.

Chitosan treatment reduces softening and chilling injury in cold-stored Hami melon by regulating starch and sucrose metabolism

“…The inhibition of respiration rate coupled with reduced metabolic activity reduces the synthesis and utilization of metabolites, thereby delaying the degradation of starch to sugars ( Kumarihami et al., 2022 ). Similar results were found in kiwifruit ( Kumarihami et al., 2021 ). Our study showed that chitosan coating could alleviate chilling injury by enhancing AMY and BMY activities and accelerating starch degradation in melon during the later stages of cold storage.…”

The Efficacies of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Chitosan Nanoparticles in Preserving the Postharvest Quality of Damask Rose and Their Underlying Biochemical and Physiological Mechanisms

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Effects of preharvest applications of chemicals and storage conditions on the physico-chemical characteristics and shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit

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