Ascorbate, as a versatile regulator of plant development: Practical implications for enhancing crop productivity, quality, and postharvest storage

Ascorbate (Asc), commonly known as vitamin C, is a vital molecule for plant growth, development, and stress resilience. It is also known to play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, cell division, and differentiation. This article thoroughly explores the processes governing the metabolism of Asc in plants and its roles in physiological functions. It lays down a robust theoretical groundwork for delving into Asc production, transportation, functions, and its potential applications in stress alleviation and horticulture. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that Asc plays a role in regulating fruit development and affecting postharvest storage characteristics, thereby influencing fruit ripening and resilience to stress. Hence, there is a growing importance in studying the synthesis and utilization of Asc in plants. Although the critical role of Asc in controlling plant redox signals has been extensively studied, the precise mechanisms by which it manages cellular redox homeostasis to maintain the equilibrium between reactive oxygen scavenging and cell redox signaling remain elusive. This gap in knowledge presents fresh opportunities to explore how the production of Asc in plants is regulated and how plants react to environmental stressors. Furthermore, this article delves into the potential for a comprehensive investigation into the essential function of Asc in fruits, the development of Asc-rich fruits, and the enhancement of postharvest storage properties.