Search Results (245)

The impact of exogenous melatonin treatment on the postharvest quality and storability of blue honeysuckle fruit was investigated. Fruits were immersed in melatonin solutions at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.01, 0.05, and 0.25 mM for 5 min and subsequently stored at –1 °C for 63 d. Among all treatments, the combination of two-week storage without fruit puncturing and 0.05 mM melatonin application significantly delayed fruit softening and decay even at the initial stage of storage, while also increasing the concentration of phenolic compounds and enhancing antioxidant activity. During the later storage period (28–63 d), melatonin-treated fruits maintained higher levels of maltose, fructose, and sucrose, contributing to improved flavor retention. In contrast, both lower (0.01 mM) and higher (0.25 mM) concentrations were less effective or even detrimental to fruit quality. HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS² analysis revealed that 0.05 mM melatonin effectively preserved several functional phenolics, including p-coumaroylquinic acid, caffeoyl glucose, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and hydroxytyrosol. Thus, 0.05 mM melatonin is effective in delaying senescence and maintaining the postharvest quality of blue honeysuckle fruit. Full article

Banana fruits are harvested and then undergo rapid ripening and senescence, sharply limiting their shelf-life and marketability. Myo-inositol (MI) is an important regulator in ethylene production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; however, its involvement in the postharvest ripening process of banana remains to be determined. This study found that postharvest application of MI could efficiently delay the fruit ripening and extend the time in which the luster, color, and hardness were maintained in two cultivars with contrasting storage characteristics, storable ‘Brazil’ and unstorable ‘Fenza No. 1’, when stored at room temperature (23 °C ± 2 °C). Moreover, physiological, metabolic, and gene expression analyses indicated that MI application improved MI metabolism and postponed ethylene biosynthesis and cell wall loosening. The decrease in ethylene production was associated with a reduction in the expression of ACS1 and ACO1 genes. MI treatment decreased the expressions of PL1/2, PG, and EXP1/7/8, which may account for the delay in softening. In addition, the application of MI could alleviate ROS-mediated senescence and cell membrane damage by promoting the activities of SOD, POD, and anti-O₂⁻ and decreasing PPO activity. This study shed light on the function of MI in regulating the postharvest ripening and senescence of bananas and provided an efficient strategy for extending shelf-life and reduce losses. Full article

Utilizing edible films/coatings promises to extend the shelf life of fruits by controlling various physiological parameters (e.g., respiration and transpiration rates), maintaining firmness, and delaying fruit senescence. The influence of composite-based edible coatings made from sodium or calcium caseinate: carboxymethyl chitosan (75:25) on the postharvest quality of fresh blueberries was assessed over a 28-day storage period, on the basis of weight loss and changes in pH, firmness, color, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, mold and yeast count, and respiration rate. The pH of the blueberries increased over the period of storage, with significant differences observed between uncoated and coated (e.g., pH was 3.89, 3.17, and 3.62 at the end of the storage time for uncoated, Ca 75-1% SO, and Na 75-1% SO, respectively. Desirable lower pH values at the end of storage were obtained with the calcium caseinate formulations. Over the duration of storage, other quality parameters (e.g., firmness) were better retained in coated fruits compared to the uncoated (control) one. At the last storage day, the firmness of the uncoated sample was 0.67 N·mm⁻¹ while the sodium and calcium caseinate was 0.63 and 0.81 N.mm⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the microbial growth was reduced in coated fruits, indicating the effectiveness of coatings in preserving fruit quality. The mold /yeast count was 1.4 and 2.3 log CFU/g for CaCa 75-1% SO and NaCa 75-1% SO compared with uncoated with 4.2 log CFU/g. Adding soybean oil to the caseinate–carboxymethyl chitosan composite edible coating has the potential to positively influence retention of various quality parameters of blueberries, thereby extending their shelf life and maintaining overall quality. Further research could explore the optimization of coating formulations and application methods to enhance their effectiveness in preserving fruit quality during storage. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is becoming increasingly popular in China, but its postharvest quality deteriorates significantly during harvest storage and transport. Here, we investigated the efficiency of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on the quality and physiology of ‘Meizao’ sweet cherry during 60 days of cold storage (0 ± 0.5 °C). Fruits were sealed in four types of MAP low-density polyethylene (LDPE) liners (PE20, PE30, PE40, and PE50), with unsealed 20 μm LDPE packaging bags used as the control. Our findings demonstrated that PE30 packaging established an optimal gas composition (7.0~7.7% O₂ and 3.6~3.9% CO₂) that effectively preserved ‘Meizao’ sweet cherry quality. It maintained the fruit color, firmness, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C (Vc) content while simultaneously delaying deteriorative processes such as weight loss, pedicel browning, and fruit decay. These results indicate that PE30 was the most suitable treatment for preserving the quality of ‘Meizao’ sweet cherries during cold storage. Furthermore, physiological research showed that significant inhibition of respiration rate was achieved by PE30, accompanied by maintained activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, and SOD), which consequently led to reduced accumulations of ethanol and malondialdehyde (MDA) during cold storage. To date, no systematic studies have investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of ‘Meizao’ to different thickness-dependent LDPE-MAP conditions. These observations highlight the power of the optimized PE30 packaging as an effective method for extending the fruit storage life, delaying postharvest senescence, and maintaining fruit quality of ‘Meizao’ sweet cherry. Full article

This study used Xinxin 2 (Juglans regia L. ‘Xinxin2’), a major cultivated walnut variety in Xinjiang, China, to clarify the response and adaptation mechanisms of the anatomical structures of walnut related to source–sink–flow under altered source–sink relationships. We anatomically observed the leaves, fruit stalks, and fruit of bearing branches by artificially adjusting the leaf-to-fruit ratio (LFR). The LFR substantially affected the leaf structure and thickness of the fruit-bearing branches obtained via girdled (p < 0.05). The results of the analysis of the leaf anatomy revealed that a low LFR impeded leaf growth and internal structural development while accelerating senescence, whereas a high LFR promoted leaf growth and delayed senescence. The same trend was observed for the phloem area (PA) of the fruit stalk with the increase in fruit load when the number of leaves on the fruit branch was the same. The maximum PA was reached when the number of fruits was high (except for 4L:3F). This indicates that the micro-anatomical structure of the fruit stalk is more developed under the treatment of a higher number of pinnate compound leaves and fruit level of LFRs. The cells of the 1L:3F and 2L:3F were considerably smaller in the green peel and kernel of the fruit on the branches obtained via girdled than those of 5L:1F plants (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the number of cells per unit area or the cross-sectional area of cells in the pericarp and kernel of the fruit under LFRs (p > 0.05); however, a large difference was noted in the microanatomical structure of the pericarp and kernel of fruit. Changes in the structural adaptation characteristics of walnut leaves (source), fruit stalk (flow), and fruit (sink) are related to source–sink regulation. A change in the LFR affects the carbohydrate synthesis in the leaves (source), transport in fruit stalks (flow), and the carbohydrate reception in fruits (sink). Full article

Short fruiting branch cotton (SFBC) has a compact plant architecture suitable for dense planting. Plant population density (PPD) and topping are important agronomic practices to achieve high yielding by optimizing cotton plant structure. However, their individual and interactive effects on SFBC growth and yield are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore cotton growth and yield responses to various combinations of PPD and topping time (TT) and the underlying physio-ecological mechanism. Four combinations were included in a two-year field experiment (2023–2024) involving two PPD levels (5.3 plants m⁻², low density LD; 8 plants m⁻², high density HD) and two TT levels (early topping for leaving ten sympodials per plant ET; late topping for leaving fifteen sympodials per plant LT), and compared in terms of biomass accumulation, photosynthetically active radiation capture, and leaf senescence during entire reproductive growth period. Compared to the other three combinations, the combination of HD and LT (HDLT) achieved a higher lint yield due to a greater biological yield, which was predominantly attributed to the higher average rate during the rapid biomass increasing period. Owing to delayed leaf senescence caused by the HD and the LT, the HDLT performed better in leaf senescence-related attributes at the late growth stage. Moreover, these improved attributes also contributed to a higher radiation interception rate and photosynthetic efficiency at the late growth stage. Taken together, combining high density with later topping tends to increase the lint yield of SFBC through increasing dry matter accumulation, delaying leaf senescence, and enhancing canopy radiation interception rate at the late growth. Full article

This study investigated the impact of slow cooling on browning and fruit quality at three maturity stages (early, mid and late). Slow cooling reduced core browning in early/mid-harvest pears, as the browning indexes of early-, middle- and late-harvested ‘Yali’ pears at 60 d were 0.13, 0 and 0.1, respectively, preserving firmness and soluble solids. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that upregulated genes in ‘Yali’ pears facilitated stress adaptation via enhanced catalytic activity and phosphorylation. Mid-harvested pears exhibited activation of phosphorus metabolism and DNA repair mechanisms to maintain cellular homeostasis, whereas the late-harvested counterparts showed significant suppression of photosynthesis-related pathways and pyrimidine metabolism, which collectively accelerated senescence progression. Universal downregulation of hormone-response pathways such as ethylene and auxin revealed systemic stress adaptation decline. Then, the PbRAV transcription factors’ role was also studied. EMSA confirmed that GST-PbRAV2 binds to the PbLAC15 promoter, linking RAV2 to laccase regulation. Overripe pears showed PbRAV2 dysregulation, impairing LAC15 suppression and accelerating browning. Findings provide a theoretical basis for using slow cooling to mitigate browning in pear storage. Full article

To identify optimal strategies for high-yield and high-efficiency cultivation under a “short-season direct-seeded cotton with once-only irrigation” regime, we conducted two-year field experiments (2022 and 2023) using a split-plot factorial design with three planting densities (30,000 (D1), 45,000 (D2), and 60,000 (D3) plants·ha⁻¹) and three nitrogen application rates (150 (N1), 180 (N2), and 210 (N3) kg·ha⁻¹). Our study systematically examined how these treatment combinations influenced canopy architecture, physiological traits, yield components, and fiber quality. The results showed that increased planting density significantly enhanced plant height, the leaf area index (LAI), and the number of fruiting branches, with the highest density (D3) contributing to a more compact and efficient canopy. Moderate nitrogen input (N2) significantly increased peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, delayed functional leaf senescence, and prolonged the canopy’s photosynthetic performance. A significant interaction between planting density and nitrogen application was observed. The D3N2 treatment (high density with moderate nitrogen) consistently achieved the highest fruiting branch count, boll number per plant, and yields of both seed cotton and lint in both years, while maintaining stable fiber quality. This indicates its strong capacity to balance high yield with quality and maintain physiological resilience. By contrast, the D1N1 treatment (low density and low nitrogen) exhibited a loose canopy, premature photosynthetic decline, and the lowest yield. The D3N3 treatment (high density and high nitrogen) promoted vigorous early growth but reduced stress tolerance during later growth stages, leading to yield instability. These findings demonstrate that moderately increasing planting density while maintaining appropriate nitrogen levels can effectively optimize canopy structure, improve stress resilience, and enhance yield under short-season direct-seeded cotton systems with once-only irrigation. This provides both theoretical underpinning and practical guidance for achieving stable and efficient cotton production under such systems. Full article

To calyx persistence in Korla fragrant pear (Pyrus sinkiangensis) significantly impacts fruit marketability, with persistent calyx causing up to 40% reduction in premium-grade fruit yield. Investigating the hormonal mechanisms underlying calyx abscission and persistent in Korla Fragrant Pear, we performed comprehensive phytohormone profiling using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS; EXIONLC system coupled with SCIEX 6500 QTRAP+). Flowers from first-position (persistent-calyx) and fourth-position (deciduous-calyx) inflorescences were collected at six developmental stages (0–10 days after flowering). Fourteen endogenous hormones—ACC, ME-IAA, IPA, TZR, SA, IAA, ICA, IP, tZ, DHJA, ABA, JA-ile, cZ, and JA—were identified in the calyx during the flowering stage. The calyx abscission rate was significantly higher in the fourth position (79%) compared to the first position (32%). ACC and ABA are closely linked to abscission, with increased ACC at 0 DAF signaling early abscission and ABA accumulation accelerating late abscission at 8 DAF. Auxin exhibited spatiotemporal specificity, peaking in first-order flowers at 4–6 DAF, potentially inhibiting abscission by maintaining cell activity. Cytokinins generally decreased, while jasmonates significantly increased during the fourth-position anthesis stage 8–10 DAF, suggesting a role in stress-related senescence. By systematic analysis of the flowers at the first order (persistent calyx) and the fourth order (deciduous calyx) from 0 to 10 days after anthesis, we found three key stages of hormone regulation: early prediction stage (0–2 DAF), ACC accumulation at the fourth order was significantly higher than that at the first order at 0 days after anthesis, ACC accumulation at the early stage predicted abscission; During the middle maintenance stage (4–6 DAF), the accumulation of cytokinin decreased significantly, while the accumulation of IAA increased significantly in the first position (persistent calyx); Execution Phase (8–10 DAF), ABA reached its peak at 8 DAF, coinciding with the final separation time. JA played an important role in the late stage. Gibberellin was undetected, implying a weak association with calyx abscission. Venn diagram identified N6-(delta 2-Isopentenyl)-adenine (IP) in first-position flowers, which may influence calyx persistence or abscission. These findings elucidate hormone interactions in calyx abscission, offering a theoretical basis for optimizing exogenous hormone application to enhance fruit quality. Full article

This study presents a non-invasive approach to monitoring post-harvest fruit quality by applying CO₂ laser photoacoustic spectroscopy (CO₂LPAS) to study the respiration of “Conference” pears from local and commercially stored (supermarket) sources. Concentrations of ethylene (C₂H₄), ethanol (C₂H₆O), and ammonia (NH₃) were continuously monitored under shelf-life conditions. Our results reveal that ethylene emission peaks earlier in supermarket pears, likely due to post-harvest treatments, while ethanol accumulates over time, indicating fermentation-related deterioration. Significantly, ammonia levels increased during the late stages of senescence, suggesting its potential role as a novel biomarker for fruit degradation. The application of CO₂LPAS enabled highly sensitive, real-time detection of trace gases without damaging the fruit, offering a powerful alternative to traditional monitoring methods. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) models, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), were explored to enhance data interpretation, enabling early detection of ripening and spoilage patterns through volatile compound profiling. This study advances our understanding of post-harvest physiological processes and proposes new strategies for improving storage and distribution practices for climacteric fruits. Full article

Dragon fruit comprises a wide variety of species that are rich in nutritional value and have great economic potential; however, numerous studies have focused on their nutritional and commercial quality. In contrast, few studies have addressed their flavor quality, particularly with respect to the regulatory networks responsible for their flavor-related substance contents. To this end, we sequenced the transcriptomes and metabolomes of red-skin/white-fleshed and red-skin/red-fleshed dragon fruit at different timepoints during fruit development. RNA-seq and metabolome data were used to divide the seven developmental stages of the dragon fruit into four categories (young fruit, expansion, maturity, and senescence). In all, 16,827 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 958 transcription factors, were identified and grouped into 10 clusters, and the pathways in each cluster were annotated. Additionally, 318 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, including 88 common metabolites. The main flavor-related substances and the key genes regulating them were determined via joint analysis via RNA-seq and metabolomics. Furthermore, 10 volatile active components related to green flavors and aromas were screened according to the relative odor activity value (ROAV), and 15 candidate genes related to key flavor compounds were screened via WGCNA, 3 of which encoded transcription factors. In conclusion, our results provide a theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the volatile flavor compounds in dragon fruit and provide new genetic resources for the subsequent study of fruit flavor compounds. Full article

Waste products from agricultural crops can become valuable if their benefits are discovered. Mangosteen, known as the “queen of fruits”, has a pericarp extract that has been reported to possess various biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, antimicrobial activity, and UVB protection (in vitro and in vivo). In this work, we revealed that mangosteen pericarp extract (MPE) exhibits photoprotective properties in primary human dermal fibroblasts (PHDFs) exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA). The α-mangostin content, a major compound in MPE, was determined to be 60.9 ± 1.2% using HPLC. In an in vitro, cell-based assay, we first assessed the cytotoxicity of MPE on PHDFs using the MTT assay. The highest concentration of MPE that showed no cytotoxicity was 50.0 µg/mL. For antioxidative effects, MPE reduced intracellular ROS levels induced by H₂O₂, compared to H₂O₂-treated PHDFs. To assess the photoprotective effect of MPE, cells were pretreated with MPE for 24 h before exposure to UVA at an intensity of 5 J/cm². Our data demonstrated that MPE pretreatment reduced the accumulation of senescent cells compared to UVA-induced senescent cells (7.1 ± 2.4% vs. 12.0 ± 0.2%, respectively). In addition, we examined key aging-related markers, including matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and collagen type I. The expression level of MMP-1 levels was 23,873.4 ± 5498.1 pg/mL in MPE-treated, UVA-induced PHDFs, compared to 38,929.1 ± 6971.4 pg/mL in untreated UVA-induced PHDFs. Meanwhile, procollagen type I in MPE-pretreated PHDFs was 56,443.3 ± 3623.8 pg/mL, compared to 37,137.4 ± 4614.8 pg/mL in UVA-induced PHDFs. These experimental results highlight the photoprotective properties of Garcinia mangostana peel extract, which contains α-mangostin as a major compound, and suggest its potential as an active ingredient in cosmeceuticals for protecting against UVA-induced aging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the photoprotective effects of MPE on UVA-induced senescent cells. Full article

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) is valued for its flavor, nutrition, and economic importance, yet as a climacteric fruit, it undergoes rapid postharvest senescence due to respiratory surges and ethylene production, leading to flavor loss and reduced marketability. Recent advances in postharvest physiology, including ethylene regulation, metabolic analysis, and advanced packaging, have improved preservation. Compared with traditional methods, emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology-based coatings and intelligent packaging systems, offer environmentally friendly and highly effective solutions but face high costs, technical barriers, and other constraints. This review examines changes in key flavor components—amino acids, phenolic compounds, sugars, organic acids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—during ripening and senescence. It evaluates physical, chemical, and biotechnological preservation methods for maintaining quality. For instance, 1-MCP extends shelf life but may reduce aroma, underscoring the need for optimized protocols. Emerging trends, including biocontrol agents and smart packaging, provide a foundation for enhancing peach storage, transportation, and marketability. Full article

The International CCN Society has been organizing workshops and conferences for the past two decades to advance our understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of the cellular communication network (CCN) proteins. The 12th CCN Workshop broadened the scope of discussions, introducing topics like CCN-dependent and -independent signaling networks involved in brain development, cellular senescence, efferocytosis, neurobiology, and the application of DNA-fabricated origami structures. This expansion proved fruitful and should continue in future events. Fostering collaborations across various fields has created a dynamic environment for innovative ideas, driving substantial progress to tackle both basic scientific questions and clinically relevant challenges. Three standout presentations sparked significant discussions and highlighted key advancements in these areas. These include the work of Li-Jen Lee (Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University) on the involvement of the CCN2 protein in depressive and aggressive behaviors in mice; the studies of Anna Zampetaki (King’s College London British Heart Foundation Centre, School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine and Sciences) and Brahim Chaqour (University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Dept of Molecular Ophthalmology) on the metabolome and mechanosensing in iPSC-derived human blood vessel organoids and in the microvasculature of genetically modified mice, and the talk of Björn Högberg (Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics) on the promises of DNA origami. We believe that these examples illustrate better future directions, as they offer an opportune moment to pursue initiatives that broaden the focus of the CCN Workshops and other projects like ARBIOCOM (website link included below) that support collaboration among research societies, educational institutions, and private biomedical industries, all working together to further our understanding of biosignaling and cellular communication networks for the development of new drug discovery methods and disease treatments. Full article

Transcription factors play a key role in plant growth and development. As the largest family of plant-specific transcription factors, the NAC family plays a central role in coordinating plant growth and development and environmental adaptation through its unique molecular design paradigm of “fixed N-terminal structural domain + variable C-terminal regulatory domain”. This review systematically analyses the multidimensional regulatory mechanisms of NAC transcription factors in developmental processes such as cell wall remodelling, root system architecture, leaf senescence and fruit ripening, and reveals their molecular basis for responding to biotic/abiotic stresses through strategies such as hormone signalling integration (ABA, SA, JA, etc.), antioxidant defence activation and metabolic reprogramming. The study found that NAC proteins precisely control plant growth through multiple regulatory mechanisms and have evolved to form both conservative and diverse functional modules, which are of great value for crop improvement. However, research still faces three major challenges: the NAC regulatory network in different crops is still unclear, the coordinated response to multiple stresses has not been solved, and the ecological risks of gene editing have not been assessed. To this end, this paper proposes to build an ‘NAC regulatory map database’ and use synthetic biology and artificial intelligence technology to design smarter, stress-tolerant and high-yielding crops, overcoming the limitations of traditional research. Full article