Melatonin and 1-methylcyclopropene treatments on delay senescence of apricots during postharvest cold storage by enhancing antioxidant system activity

The effect of melatonin (MT) dipping and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) fumigation either individually or combined, on reducing delaying fruit senescence in apricot fruit was investigated. The results showed that the individual and combined MT and 1-MCP treatments maintained the quality of apricot fruits after harvest and reduced fruit softening, rot, and weight loss. This was mainly attributed to the high levels of ascorbic acid content, total phenol content, and total flavonoid content, as well as the upregulation of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme activities, which reduced the active oxygen content. Besides, 1-MCP and MT in individual or in combined treatments suppressed the process of membrane lipid peroxidation by inhibiting the malondialdehyde content and lipoxygenase activities, contributing to delaying the senescence of apricot fruits. Among these three treatments, 1-MCP was the best method to delay the postharvest senescence of apricots. Novelty impact statement The individual and combined MT and 1-MCP treatments had positive effect on apricot fruits quality during cold storage. The individual and combined MT and 1-MCP treatments apparently enhanced the activity of enzymatic antioxidants and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Decreased H2O2 generation was observed in the individual and combined MT- and 1-MCP-treated fruits during storage time.

Automated summary

The individual and combined MT and 1-MCP treatments had a positive impact on maintaining apricot fruit quality, delaying senescence, and enhancing antioxidant activity during cold storage. The treatments reduced fruit softening, rot, and weight loss by upregulating enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, and decreasing active oxygen content. 1-MCP was identified as the most effective method for delaying postharvest senescence in apricots.