Effects of electron-beam generated X-ray irradiation on the postharvest storage quality of Agaricus bisporus

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of electron-beam generated X-ray irradiation on the postharvest storage quality and antioxidant capacity of Agaricus bisporus. All mushrooms were treated with different doses of electron-beam generated X-ray irradiation (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kGy) followed by stored at 4 degrees C for 21 days. Results showed that when compared with the control group at the end of storage, the firmness of Agaricus bisporus treated with 1.0 kGy was increased by 43.68%, the cell membrane permeability and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were decreased by 14.48% and 32.27% respectively, and the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity was reduced by 44.30%. One-kGy treatment was better than the control group to maintain superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. The finding suggested that the dose of 1.0 kGy generated by electron beam was suitable for keeping the postharvest quality for 21 days of Agaricus bisporus. Industrial relevance: This study stated that electron-beam generated X-ray pretreatment could be a green and safe technology to improve the overall quality of Agaricus bisporus at 4 degrees C for 21 days.

Automated summary

Electron-beam generated X-ray irradiation has effects on the postharvest storage quality and antioxidant capacity of Agaricus bisporus. Treatment with a dose of 1.0 kGy can improve the firmness, decrease cell membrane permeability and MDA content, reduce PPO activity, and maintain SOD and CAT activity of Agaricus bisporus.