Huali Hu1,2, Dan Liu3, Pengxia Li1,2. 1. Institute of Agricultural Products Processing, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. 2. Engineering Laboratory for Horticultural Products Postharvest Treatment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. 3. College of Life Sciences, Laboratory Center of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During the postharvest senescence of fruits and vegetables, redox imbalance occurs. Although the release of methane (CH4 ) has been observed for a long time and its antioxidant properties have recently been demonstrated in animals and plants, the corresponding physiological role of CH4 in regulating plant senescence has not yet been elucidated. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the postharvest deterioration of daylily buds during storage is greatly ameliorated by the exogenous application of CH4 , particularly in the inhibition of tissue browning. The results are supported by a decrease in the degree of browning and by the corresponding phenotype, which are correlated with the suppressed polyphenoloxidase activity. CH4 also maintains the re-establishment of redox balance, as indicated by the lower relative leakage rate, lipid peroxidation level, and reactive oxygen species accumulation in daylily buds. Furthermore, the decrease of the unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and energy charge during storage was also attenuated. CONCLUSION: These results clearly suggest that the postharvest treatment with CH4 is an effective means of prolonging the storage life of daylily buds.
BACKGROUND: During the postharvest senescence of fruits and vegetables, redox imbalance occurs. Although the release of methane (CH4 ) has been observed for a long time and its antioxidant properties have recently been demonstrated in animals and plants, the corresponding physiological role of CH4 in regulating plant senescence has not yet been elucidated. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the postharvest deterioration of daylily buds during storage is greatly ameliorated by the exogenous application of CH4 , particularly in the inhibition of tissue browning. The results are supported by a decrease in the degree of browning and by the corresponding phenotype, which are correlated with the suppressed polyphenoloxidase activity. CH4 also maintains the re-establishment of redox balance, as indicated by the lower relative leakage rate, lipid peroxidation level, and reactive oxygen species accumulation in daylily buds. Furthermore, the decrease of the unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio and energy charge during storage was also attenuated. CONCLUSION: These results clearly suggest that the postharvest treatment with CH4 is an effective means of prolonging the storage life of daylily buds.