Chapter 2 - Crosstalk of hydrogen sulfide with melatonin and nitric oxide in ripening of fruits

Abstract

Fruit ripening is a well-coordinated and genetically controlled process that involves various physical, biochemical, molecular, and organoleptic changes ultimately leading to the ripening of fruits to give an edible quality for consumers. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), and melatonin are potential signaling molecules and these play a vital role in multiple physiological aspects of plants. These molecules crosstalk with ethylene which is considered an important stimulator of fruits ripening. In addition to this, all these three signaling molecules also crosstalk with each other in the regulation and delaying of ripening and senescence during preharvest and poststorage stages in a number of fruit crops. These also have tremendous potential to conserve postharvest quality due to the suppressed senescence of fruits under various storage environments. Therefore the current chapter deals with the comprehensive roles and mechanisms of H2S, NO, and melatonin-induced ripening of various fruit crops.