Inhibitory effects of dielectric barrier discharge cold plasma on pathogenic enzymes and anthracnose for mango postharvest preservation

Abstract

Cold plasma is a novel non-chemical approach, but few studies have investigated its role in controlling postharvest diseases caused by fungus. Herein, the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma on pathogenic enzymes and anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum asianum in mangoes were explored. Results showed that the activities of cell wall degrading enzymes and laccases were all reduced, and pathogenic genes were down-regulated. Plasma-activated water (PAW) was prepared for mango treatment, and the optimal processing conditions were DBD cold plasma treated distilled water for 3 min, stored at 4 °C for 20 h, and soaked mangoes for 10 min. Combining PAW with modified atmosphere packaging effectively alleviated the disease, improved fruit quality, and prolonged the shelf life by 8 d. Taken together, DBD cold plasma could control mango anthracnose, providing an alternative technology for suppressing postharvest fungal diseases and preserving fruit quality.