Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the possible mechanism by which 1-methylcyclopropene regulates the postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia

To understand the mechanism governing the postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia (Z. latifolia), and the regulatory mechanism induced by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) during storage at 25 degrees C, physiobiochemical and conjoint analyses of the transcriptome and metabolome were performed. The results indicated that 1-MCP treatment engendered changes in the expression of genes and metabolites during the postharvest storage of Z. latifolia. The 1-MCP treatment maintained a good visual appearance, preserved the cell structure and membrane integrity of Z. latifolia by keeping the expression of membrane-related lipolytic enzymes (and related genes) low and the amount of phosphatidylethanolamine high. Compared to the control group, 1-MCP treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, resulting in a decrease of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents, and thus inhibition of oxidative damage and loss of membrane integrity. In addition, 1-MCP treatment retarded the senescence of Z. latifolia by downregulating the expression of ethylene biosynthesis-related genes and promoting upregulation of brassinosteroid insensitive 1 kinase inhibitor 1, calmodulin, glutathione reductase, jasmonate amino acid synthase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase-related genes. Moreover, 1-MCP retarded Z. latifolia senescence by inducing the activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis-related genes and metabolites. Our findings should facilitate future research on the postharvest storage of Z. latifolia, and could help delay senescence and prolong the storage time for commercial applications.

Automated summary

This study investigated the mechanism underlying the postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia and the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment during storage. The results showed that 1-MCP treatment could preserve the visual appearance, cell structure, and membrane integrity of Z. latifolia. It also enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, inhibited oxidative damage and loss of membrane integrity, and delayed the senescence of Z. latifolia by regulating gene expression and promoting the activity of ATP biosynthesis-related genes and metabolites.