Synergistic regulation of Chitosan and NaHS on energy metabolism and endogenous H2S metabolism of postharvest nectarines

Chitosan (CS) and sodium sulphate (NaHS), as common chemical preservatives, are widely used in postharvest storage of fruit, but the synergistic effect of the combination of the two for fruit preservation remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the synergistic regulation of CS and NaHS on energy metabolism and endogenous H2S metabolism of postharvest fruit. Linqu nectarine was used as experimental material, and treated with 5 g center dot L-1 chitosan and different concentrations of NaHS (0, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mmol center dot L-1). The endogenous H2S content and related enzyme activities of nectarine fruits during storage, as well as the activities of energy metabolism related enzymes were measured. The results showed that the synergistic treatment of chitosan and NaHS increased the activities of L-cysteine desulfhydrase, O-acetylserine sulfur lyase and serine acetyltransferase, and promoted the production of endogenous H2S in nectarine fruit. At the same time, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome oxidase, H+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase were increased by the synergistic treatment of chitosan and NaHS, so that the nectarine fruit maintained a higher ATP and ADP content and energy level. By comparison, it was found that the synergistic treatment of chitosan and 0.4 mmol center dot L-1 had the best preservation effect on nectarine fruit.

Automated summary

The synergistic effect of chitosan and sodium sulphate on energy metabolism and endogenous H2S metabolism of postharvest fruit was investigated. It was found that the synergistic treatment increased the activities of related enzymes and promoted the production of endogenous H2S in nectarine fruit. Additionally, the treatment also increased the activities of energy metabolism related enzymes and maintained a higher ATP and ADP content and energy level in the fruit.