Respiratory and energy metabolisms participate in the disease occurrence of fresh Chinese olive caused by Pestalotiopsis microspora

Abstract

Pestalotiopsis microspora (P. microspore) is the primary pathogen causing postharvest rot and spoilage in Chinese olive (Canarium album L.). This study investigated P. microspore-induced disease development in postharvest Chinese olives in relation to respiratory and energy metabolism. Results suggested that P. microspore-inoculated Chinese olives had higher fruit disease index, fruit disease diameter, and fruit respiration rate, but a lower energy charge. Furthermore, P. microspore-inoculated Chinese olives displayed higher respiratory metabolism-related enzymes (RMREs) activities, higher levels of NAD(H), and lower levels of NADP(H). Additionally, P. microspore-inoculated Chinese olives had lower ATPase activities, as well as lower ATP and ADP contents but higher AMP content. These findings suggest that P. microspore infection exacerbates disease development in postharvest Chinese olives by increasing respiration metabolism and causing energy deficiency.