Combined effects of 1-methylcyclopropene and tea polyphenols coating treatment on the postharvest senescence and reactive oxygen species metabolism of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum)

Abstract

Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum) is susceptible to senescence and quality deterioration after harvest, which seriously affects its commodity value and shelf-life. In this study, the individual and combined effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and tea polyphenols coating (TPC) on the postharvest senescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism of bracken during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 15 d were investigated. The results showed that 1-MCP or TPC treatment significantly delayed the reduction of overall quality and nutritional value, suppressed the ethylene production, respiration rate, relative conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the accumulation of ROS, increased the ability of antioxidant system in comparison with the control during storage (P < 0.05). Notably, the effect of combined treatment of 1-MCP and TPC was more prominent than that of 1-MCP or TPC treatment alone. Furthermore, the Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that postharvest bracken senescence was accompanied by an elevation in ethylene production, respiration rate, relative conductivity, MDA content, ROS levels and decreasing in overall quality, thus further confirming the close relationship between ROS metabolism and bracken senescence. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that combined “1-MCP + TPC” treatment can effectively delay postharvest senescence and maintain the commodity quality of bracken by increasing the ability of antioxidant system and mitigating ROS accumulation during the storage.