Zizania latifolia Cell Wall Polysaccharide Metabolism and Changes of Related Enzyme Activities during Postharvest Storage.

Jing Huang,Haiyan Gao,Weijie Wu,Xiangjun Fang,Hangjun Chen,Ben Niu,Yanchao Han

doi:10.3390/foods11030392

Abstract

The metabolism of polysaccharides in the Zizania latifolia cell wall helps maintain the postharvest quality during storage. Fresh Z. latifolia was stored at 4 °C and 25 °C to evaluate the hardness, cell wall polysaccharide composition, cell wall structure, active ingredients, and cell wall metabolism-related enzyme activities. The results showed that hardness declined concomitantly with an increase in water-soluble pectin content during storage, as well as with a decrease in propectin and cellulose contents. Correlation analysis showed that lower activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as polygalacturonase, cellulase, and β-galactosidase in Z. latifolia stored at 4 °C, were associated with lighter fiberization and greater hardness, compared with those stored at 25 °C. Additionally, the results of infrared spectroscopy showed that texture softening may be attributed to a decrease in the degree of esterification of water-soluble polysaccharides at 25 °C compared to that at 4 °C.

Highlights

Zizania latifolia is native to Asia and belongs to the Gramineae family
Statistical analysis showed (Figure 1c) that the internal hardness of Z. latifolia at 4 ◦ C changed little days, the wilting and skin browning in the shoots were less than those stored at room temperature
Statistical analysis showed that hardness was related to cell wall composition and corresponding enzyme activity, while water loss and shrinkage were accelerated by the increase in corresponding enzyme activity (LAC and PPO) and reducing sugars

Summary

Introduction

Z. latifolia contains high amounts of various nutrients such as proteins, polyphenols, vitamins, and flavonoids [1]. It is a popular aquatic vegetable for consumption. As the main aquatic vegetable cultivated in China, Z. latifolia is appreciated by consumers for its delicate texture, refreshing taste, unique flavor, and nutritional value. It has various medicinal applications and health benefits [2]; Z. latifolia is highly perishable and susceptible to water loss, shrinkage, and lignification during storage [3]. Z. latifolia is highly prone to lignification after harvesting, which is attributed to the accumulation of lignin and polysaccharides in the cell wall

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Conclusion