Effect of methyl jasmonate on energy metabolism in peach fruit during chilling stress

Abstract

Energy status is associated with ripening, senescence and physiological disorder of various types of fruit after harvest, including peaches. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was effective in enhancing chilling tolerance in cold-stored peach fruit. The effect of MeJA on energy metabolism in peach fruit was investigated. MeJA treatment increased the contents of adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate, but decreased the content of adenosine monophosphate, which resulted in a higher level of energy charge in peach fruit. Enzyme activities including H+-adenosine triphosphatase, Ca2+-adenosine triphosphatase, succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase were also higher in MeJA-treated fruit than those in control fruit. Meanwhile, MeJA treatment markedly inhibited the increase of ion leakage and the accumulation of malondialdehyde, super-oxidant radical and hydrogen peroxide. These results indicated that MeJA could enhance chilling tolerance of peach fruit by inducing enzyme activities related to energy metabolism and maintaining high levels of ATP and energy charge.