Effects of Chitosan Combined with ε-Polylysine Treatment on the Postharvest Quality and Antioxidant Status of Winter Jujube

Abstract

During storage, winter jujube often experiences physiological disorders that can result in postharvest quality deterioration. To address this concern, a combination of 1% chitosan (CTS) and varying concentrations (0.02, 0.2, and 2 mg mL^-1) of ε-polylysine (ε-PL) was applied. The findings indicated that the treatment involving the combination of 1% CTS with 0.2 mg mL^-1ε-PL exhibited superior efficacy in preserving the hardness and titratable acid content of winter jujube. Additionally, the jujube fruits of this treatment exhibited a deceleration in the rise of decay incidence, red index, and weight loss rate. Simultaneously, the application of CTS combined with ε-PL treatment improved the levels of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, POD, and APX) and enhanced contents of antioxidant compounds (AsA and GSH). Moreover, the generation of reactive oxygen species (H₂O₂ and O₂^-.) was suppressed. Consequently, CTS combined with ε-PL treatment effectively enhanced postharvest quality and regulated antioxidant status of winter jujube.