Phomopsis longanae Chi-induced pericarp browning and disease development of harvested longan fruit in association with energy status

The effects of Phomopsis longanae Chi infection on browning development and disease incidence in relation to energy status in pericarp of harvested longan fruit were investigated. Longan fruit were inoculated for 5 min with P. longanae at 10(4) spores mL(-1), while fruit dipped in sterile deionized water were used as control. These fruits were stored at (28 +/- 1)degrees C and 90% relative humidity for up to five days. The results showed that the browning index, disease incidence, cellular membrane permeability and AMP content increased but the contents of ATP and ADP, and energy charge decreased in pericarp of longan fruit infected by P. longanae. It was suggested that P. longanae infection caused energy deficiency in longan fruit, possibly resulting in accelerated senescence and decreased resistance to pathogen, and thus promoted browning development and disease occurrence. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.