Exogenous glucose reduces the incidence of black rot disease in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) by regulating energy metabolism and ROS

Abstract

Apricot is one of the most highly consumed fruit in Xingjiang, China, but it is extremely perishable. In this study, the effects of exogenous glucose (Glu) on postharvest energy metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in the apricot fruit and its relationship to black rot disease were investigated. The results demonstrated that the disease incidence of apricot fruit inoculation and the expansion of the diameter of the disease spots were inhibited after exogenous Glu-treatment. Contrarily to the control group, exogenous Glu-treated fruits exhibited higher activities of enzymes involved in energy metabolism and ROS-scavenge system and effectively maintain the adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and energy charge in the apricot fruit. Simultaneously, the accumulation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), superoxide radical (O2−) production, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the electrolyte leakage was inhibited after treatment. Overall, the results suggested that exogenous Glu-treatment can effectively enhance the resistance of apricot fruit to black rot disease by regulating ROS production and energy metabolism.