Postharvest Biology and Technology最新文献

{"title":"Fumigation with basil essential oil enhances the resistance of blueberry fruit to gray mold by modulating carbohydrate and phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways","authors":"Zhaoyuan Wang ,&nbsp;Yajun Wang ,&nbsp;Canying Li ,&nbsp;Xian Ji ,&nbsp;Ling Zhang ,&nbsp;Wendan Qu ,&nbsp;Xin Fang ,&nbsp;Yonghong Ge","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Botrytis cinerea</em>, the causal agent of gray mold, is a major contributor to postharvest losses in blueberry fruit. This study was undertaken to assess the inhibitory impacts of basil essential oil (BEO) fumigation on <em>B. cinerea</em> both <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em>, as well as to evaluate its influence on carbohydrate and phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways in blueberries. The results demonstrated that fumigation with 0.04 mL L⁻¹ BEO effectively suppressed the <em>in vitro</em> growth of <em>B. cinerea</em> mycelium and spore germination, compromised cell membrane integrity, and induced the leakage of intracellular proteins and nucleotides. <em>In vivo</em> experiments demonstrated that fumigation with 0.04 mL L⁻¹ BEO delayed the decline in soluble and reducing sugars levels by improving amylase, sucrose synthase-synthesis, and sucrose phosphate synthase activities and their corresponding gene expressions, while simultaneously suppressing the acid convertase, neutral convertase, sorbitol oxidase, sucrose synthase-cleavage, NADP-sorbitol dehydrogenase, and NAD-sorbitol dehydrogenase activities and their corresponding gene expressions. Additionally, BEO fumigation enhanced the enzymatic activities and up-regulated the gene expressions level of key enzymes associated with phenolic biosynthesis, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-coumaroyl-CoA ligase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase. Additionally, BEO fumigation significantly enhanced the concentrations of endogenous phenylalanine, <em>p</em>-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid, thereby promoting the accumulation of total phenolics and lignin in blueberries. Overall, BEO exerts direct inhibitory effects on the mycelial growth and spore germination of <em>B. cinerea</em> by disrupting cell membrane integrity. Furthermore, BEO fumigation enhances disease resistance in blueberry fruit against <em>B. cinerea</em> by activating key enzymatic activities and gene expressions involved in carbohydrate and phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways, leading to increased accumulation of phenolic compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114096"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"FaERF6 activates the polygalacturonase gene FaPG1 to promote strawberry fruit softening","authors":"Yunhe Zhang ,&nbsp;Shuo Wang ,&nbsp;Xue Li ,&nbsp;Kaiyi Cai ,&nbsp;Hongying Sun ,&nbsp;Zhihong Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Postharvest softening in strawberry fruit substantially shortens shelf life and incurs significant economic losses; however, the regulatory networks governing this process remain poorly characterised. To elucidate these mechanisms, we integrated pectin quantification, cell wall ultrastructure analysis, and RNA-seq profiling of ‘Chulian’ (low-firmness) and ‘Yanli’ (high-firmness) cultivars across developmental and postharvest stages. This approach identified <em>FaPG1</em> as a master regulator of pectin degradation during both preharvest and postharvest phases. Subsequent weighted gene co-expression network analysis coupled with yeast one-hybrid screening revealed FaERF6<em>,</em> an EAR-motif-containing dehydration<em>-</em>responsive element binding transcription factor. Functional validation confirmed FaERF6’s direct binding to and transcriptionally activating the <em>FaPG1</em> promoter. Moreover, transient transformation assays demonstrated that <em>FaPG1</em> overexpression induced accelerated softening and water-soluble pectin (WSP) accumulation. Subsequently, FaERF6 overexpression was shown to further activate FaPG1 transcription, leading to firmness reduction and increased WSP levels. Collectively, we establish a FaERF6-FaPG1 regulatory module that mechanistically explains DREB-mediated transcriptional control of cell wall remodelling during fruit softening.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114129"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145737318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"H₂S mitigates chilling injury by downregulating PpbHLH113 to enhance phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in peach fruit","authors":"Yanyan Wang ,&nbsp;Yaxuan Liu ,&nbsp;Qingyuan Song ,&nbsp;Tingyu Wu ,&nbsp;Jiaqi Guo ,&nbsp;Hao Dong ,&nbsp;Kaili Shi ,&nbsp;Xiaohui Yang ,&nbsp;Yujun Shi ,&nbsp;Siwen Yin ,&nbsp;Jinbao Huang ,&nbsp;Yuquan Duan ,&nbsp;Li Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2026.114162","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2026.114162","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Postharvest chilling injury (CI) severely limits peach fruit quality. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has shown potential in mitigating CI, while its underlying transcriptional regulation mechanism remains insufficiently characterized. This study revealed that H₂S treatment effectively mitigated CI by promoting both the enzymatic activities and transcript levels of key phenylpropanoid biosynthesis enzymes (PAL, C4H, 4CL, and CHI), accompanied by increased accumulation of total phenolics and flavonoids. Conversely, the H₂S scavenger hypotaurine reversed these effects in peach fruit. Notably, PpbHLH113, a nuclear-localized newly identified bHLH family member, was upregulated by cold stress and downregulated by H₂S. Moreover, functional studies revealed that PpbHLH113 overexpression downregulated the expression of phenylpropanoid pathway genes. Further molecular interaction assays confirmed direct binding of PpbHLH113 to E-box cis-elements in the promoters of <em>Pp4CL</em> and <em>PpCHI</em>. Although deficient in transcriptional activation, PpbHLH113 functioned as a transcriptional repressor in dual-luciferase assays, significantly inhibiting the promoter activity of <em>Pp4CL</em> and <em>PpCHI</em>, thereby leading to the suppression of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Collectively, H₂S treatment protected peach fruit from chilling injury by downregulating PpbHLH113, thereby alleviating its transcriptional repression on key phenylpropanoid pathway genes, maintaining high levels of key enzyme activities and phenolic accumulation, and improving antioxidant capacity and membrane integrity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114162"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fusaricidins from Paenibacillus polymyxa ZJU11 mediate the biological control of postharvest mango anthracnose","authors":"Cui Sun ,&nbsp;Yihan Wang ,&nbsp;Yihu Pi ,&nbsp;Jinping Cao ,&nbsp;Yue Wang ,&nbsp;Chaoyi Hu ,&nbsp;Chongde Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mango fruits are highly susceptible to infection by <em>Colletotrichum</em> species, leading to the severe economic losses. In this study, an antagonist of <em>Paenibacillus polymyxa</em> ZJU11 with strong biocontrol activity was identified and its antifungal mechanisms were investigated. <em>P. polymyxa</em> ZJU11 effectively suppressed the growth of pathogens of mango fruit <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. The whole genome sequencing and LC-MS/MS results revealed that the active component in <em>P. polymyxa</em> ZJU11 exerting antifungal activity was Fusaricidin A, B, C and D. The cell membrane integrity of pathogens was demonstrated to be damaged after Fusaricidin extract treatment by PI staining, SEM and TEM observation. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis indicated Fusaricidin extract upregulated the gene expression in cell cycle, MAPK signaling pathway, and autophagy in <em>C. asianum</em> HIN6, induced cell death. This study provides a promising and suitable biocontrol agent to protect the postharvest mango fruit from fungal infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114148"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular and metabolic response of ‘Piccolo’ cherry tomato to Graduated Controlled Atmosphere","authors":"Natalia Falagán,&nbsp;Roberta Tosetti,&nbsp;Ewan Gage,&nbsp;Leon A. Terry","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114133","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114133","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Controlled atmosphere (CA) is used to extend the postharvest life of climacteric fruit by suppressing respiration and delaying ethylene mediated ripening. However, sudden exposure to low oxygen conditions can induce hypoxic stress, triggering metabolic and hormonal disruptions that negatively impact fruit quality. This study aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying ethylene sensitivity under low oxygen conditions through the application of a novel approach to CA, called Graduated Controlled Atmosphere (GCA), in ‘Piccolo’ cherry tomato. Compared to standard CA, GCA treatment resulted in greater suppression of respiration and improved firmness retention, indicating reduced physiological stress and slower cell wall degradation. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of <em>NCED1</em>, <em>ACS</em>, and <em>ACO</em> genes under GCA, indicating delayed ethylene-associated transcriptional activity. These hormonal adjustments were also reflected in lower abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations, implying a more stable ripening trajectory. Besides hormonal modulation, GCA-treated fruit exhibited alterations in primary metabolism. Sucrose accumulation and changes in malate levels under GCA conditions suggest a shift in energy metabolism, consistent with improved hypoxia tolerance. However, a notable trade-off was observed in reduced lycopene accumulation, potentially due to lower oxidative signalling and shared precursors between carotenoid and ABA biosynthesis. These findings demonstrate that GCA promotes a more controlled physiological and molecular response to hypoxic storage by reducing stress-associated metabolic and hormonal activity. GCA, as an advanced postharvest strategy, enhances texture retention and may reduce quality losses during storage. This work provides new mechanistic insights into hypoxia adaptation in fruit and supports the use of gradual atmosphere modification to optimise CA protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114133"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gallic acid-grafted hardwood lignin: A bio-based antioxidant with enhanced biological properties","authors":"Akhmadjon Sultanov ,&nbsp;Eko Setio Wibowo ,&nbsp;Byung-Dae Park ,&nbsp;Young-Je Cho","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2026.114166","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2026.114166","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A bio-based antioxidant was developed by grafting gallic acid (GA) onto hardwood lignin (HWL) via multi-step esterification. Industrial HWL, rich in aromatic phenylpropanoid units but deficient in free phenolic OH groups, was structurally modified to enhance radical-scavenging capacity. The synthesis involved acetylation of GA’s phenolic OH groups, conversion to acid chloride, esterification with HWL under basic catalysis, and deprotection to restore phenolic functionalities. ATR–FTIR confirmed loss of acetyl C<img>O bands and intensified OH stretching; gel permeation chromatography indicated improved molecular homogeneity. Quantitative ³¹P NMR showed a fourfold increase in phenolic OH content (4.58–19.64 mmol/g) and near-complete conversion of aliphatic OH groups to esters. Antioxidant assays revealed 98.71 % DPPH scavenging and complete ABTS neutralization, outperforming native HWL and approaching the efficacy of butylated hydroxyanisole. GA-grafted HWL retained the lignin backbone and exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties, enabling lignin waste valorization and supporting sustainable applications for food as additives to improve antioxidant efficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114166"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146037449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CgZAT11-driven lignin accumulation mediates juice sac granulation in postharvest pummelo (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck)","authors":"Qiang Huang,&nbsp;Yingying Yang,&nbsp;Dan Peng,&nbsp;Xiawan Zhai,&nbsp;Zengyu Gan,&nbsp;Wenbin Kai,&nbsp;Chuying Chen,&nbsp;Jinyin Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114090","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114090","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Juice sac granulation is a complex physiological disorder that significantly compromises the eating quality and postharvest longevity of ‘Majiayou’ pummelo (<em>Citrus grandis</em> L.). The exact mechanisms by which juice sac granulation in citrus fruit remain elusive, particularly at the genetic regulatory level. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis using RNA-seq data from juice sac samples collected at three granulation stages (G0, G1, and G2) of ‘Majiayou’ pummelo fruit, and characterized a nuclear-localizated C2H2 zinc finger protein, CgZAT11, whose expression progressively increased during juice sac granulation. Online prediction of CgZAT11 binding elements was used to scan the <em>Citrus grandis</em> genome, combining transcriptomic data to screen for eight potentially differentially expressed target genes involved in lignin biosynthesis. Functional validation revealed that <em>CgZAT11</em> induced pronounced lignin accumulation and secondary cell wall thickening in pummelo juice sacs by enhancing the transcriptional levels of the <em>CgCAD8</em> and <em>CgPOD16</em> genes. Through integrated molecular assays—including yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase reporter, and electromobility shift assay—we demonstrated that CgZAT11 directly activates <em>CgCAD8</em> and <em>CgPOD16</em> by specifically binding to their promoters, thereby enhancing our understanding of the regulatory network governing juice sac granulation. These findings establish CgZAT11 as a transcriptional activator coordinating lignin biosynthesis pathways during juice sac granulation, providing novel mechanistic insights into the transcriptional regulation of juice sac granulation in ‘Majiayou’ pummelo fruit.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114090"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PpbHLH59 is a key regulator of ethylene biosynthesis and cell wall degradation during peach fruit ripening and softening","authors":"Tongyang Kang ,&nbsp;Yuting Xu ,&nbsp;Zhexuan Peng ,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Wang ,&nbsp;Jieyu Dai ,&nbsp;Ze Xu ,&nbsp;Xingzhen Zhang ,&nbsp;Qianjin Zhan ,&nbsp;Zhengkun Guo ,&nbsp;Yanan Hu ,&nbsp;Caiping Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Peach (<em>Prunus persica</em>) is a globally significant fruit crop, whereas its rapid ripening and softening processes bring great challenges for the storage and transportation. Therefore, it is of great significance to specify the mechanism of peach ripening and softening. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) constitute one of the largest TF families in plants, and certain members have been implicated in the regulation of fruit ripening and softening. However, the modulatory roles of bHLH TFs in peach fruit ripening remain relatively understudied. In this study, a bHLH TF, PpbHLH59, was identified, and exhibited a high expression level during fruit development and ripening. Transient overexpression of <em>PpbHLH59</em> in peach fruit clearly accelerated softening and elevated ethylene production, while its gene silencing delayed these ripening processes in turn. In peach callus, overexpression of <em>PpbHLH59</em> led to significant upregulation of ripening and softening related genes, such as <em>PpACO1</em>, <em>PpACS1</em>, <em>PpERF2a</em>, <em>PpPGM0</em>, etc., whereas its silencing resulted in the opposite effects. Further biochemistry experiments confirmed that PpbHLH59 directly bound to the promoters of <em>PpACO1</em>, <em>PpACS1</em>, and <em>PpPGM0</em>, thereby activating their transcription and promoting fruit ripening and softening. Our studies established that PpbHLH59 acts as a key regulator of peach ripening and softening through coordinately regulating ethylene biosynthesis and cell wall degradation, which expands understanding of bHLH TFs in these biological processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114095"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and possible mechanism of trans-2-octenal in controlling grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea on harvested fruit","authors":"Jiamei Yuan ,&nbsp;Jie Yang ,&nbsp;Yushan Du ,&nbsp;Liwenqian Wang ,&nbsp;Fengjun Wang ,&nbsp;Guangjin Li","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114101","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114101","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The volatile organic compounds derived from plants are increasingly utilized in postharvest disease management owing to their potent antifungal properties. The present study examined the antifungal effects of trans-2-octenal (OCT), a natural volatile compound, against <em>Botrytis cinerea</em> and explored its mode of action. OCT demonstrated strong antifungal activity <em>in vitro</em>, completely inhibiting mycelial growth at 4 μL L⁻¹ and significantly impairing conidial germination and germ tube elongation of <em>B. cinerea</em>. <em>In vivo</em> studies revealed that OCT reduced grey mould severity while maintained fruit quality during storage. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that OCT interfered with multiple cellular processes, particularly ribosome biosynthesis, stress response-related pathways and the expression of pathogenicity-associated genes including <em>Bcbot1–5, Bcoah, Bcpg4, Bmp1, Bcxyn11A</em> and NADPH oxidase complex. More notably, OCT disrupted the membrane lipid metabolism and damaged the membrane integrity, resulting in cytoplasmic content leakage and deleterious morphological modifications. Collectively, these results elucidate the antifungal activity and mode of action of OCT against <em>B. cinerea</em>, highlighting its promise for controlling grey mould on harvested produce.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114101"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alpha-ketoglutarate alleviates chilling injury in banana fruit by promoting redox homeostasis and maintaining energy balance","authors":"Yuemin Yang ,&nbsp;Rufang Deng ,&nbsp;Yueming Jiang ,&nbsp;Xuewu Duan ,&nbsp;Zhengke Zhang ,&nbsp;Guoxiang Jiang ,&nbsp;Mengting Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.postharvbio.2025.114075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Banana fruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI) under low-temperature stress, leading to quality deterioration. Although alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) has been extensively studied for its role in cellular homeostasis, its effects on postharvest fruit and preservation mechanisms remain unclear. This study demonstrates that AKG treatment alleviates CI in banana fruit by preserving phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) content while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity—including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Concurrently, AKG maintained lower H₂O₂ and O₂^•– levels. Furthermore, AKG sustained the activity of key tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes (succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH), promoting higher ATP levels and energy charge (EC). Transcriptome analysis revealed that AKG modulates genes associated with oxidoreductase activity, small molecule transport, glycosyltransferase function, mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidant pathways. RT-qPCR validation confirmed significant upregulation of key cold-responsive genes (<em>MaAOX1a</em>, <em>MaRbohH</em>, <em>MaHSP22</em>, <em>MaPLD1</em>, <em>MaPAL</em> and <em>MaMYB4</em>). Collectively, these findings suggest that AKG alleviates CI in banana fruit by simultaneously improving redox homeostasis and preserving mitochondrial energy metabolism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":20328,"journal":{"name":"Postharvest Biology and Technology","volume":"234 ","pages":"Article 114075"},"PeriodicalIF":6.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}