Ectoine inhibits postharvest decay of nectarine fruit by strengthening fruit resistance

Abstract

Postharvest diseases caused by fungal infections in nectarine fruit seriously affect its commodity value and economic benefits. The effects and mechanisms of application of amino acid derivative ectoine against decay mold disease on postharvest nectarine fruit were evaluated. Ectoine remarkably reduced the occurrence of brown rot in nectarines after inoculation with Monilinia fructicola, which was most likely achieved by enhancing the resistance of the fruit. The expression of genes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in ethylene transduction pathway were downregulated and the expressions of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid were upregulated with ectoine treatment. Moreover, the activities of key enzymes such as β-1,3-glucanase and superoxide dismutase for antibacterial and antioxidation activities, respectively, were enhanced. Phenylpropane biosynthesis was then activated and antioxidant capacity was enhanced. As a result, ectoine improved the resistance of nectarine fruit against fungal diseases. This study provides a new and promising approach to reduce postharvest decay of nectarine.