Goji Fruits Research Articles

Carvacrol maintains antioxidant capacity in goji fruit by increasing the content of bioactive compounds

Fresh goji berries are prone to decay and spoilage, resulting in economic losses. We investigated the effects of carvacrol (CVR) on the natural disease incidence and quality of goji berries by fumigating with varying CVR concentrations (0.06, 0.12, and 0.24 μL/mL). The results showed that CVR treatment inhibited the natural decay of goji berries by enhancing their quality, color, and total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. Moreover, 0.12 μL/mL CVR was determined to be the optimal concentration, as it maintained the sensory quality (except for aroma) and inhibited the disease incidence and preliminary disease expansion of goji fruit inoculated with Alternaria alternata. The treated berries exhibited elevated total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ascorbic acid, glutathione, melatonin, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels. Higher hydrophilic and lipophilic total antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging capacities were also observed in the treated berries. Targeted metabolomics showed that treatment with 0.12 μL/mL CVR increased the levels of four phenolic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and protocatechuic acid) and two flavonoids (naringenin and quercetin) in goji berries, thereby activating the gene expression of the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway. In summary, CVR treatment delayed fruit senescence and the decline in fruit quality, promoted the accumulation of bioactive compounds, and improved antioxidant capacity and disease resistance by activating the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway.

Effect of potassium on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Goji (Lycium barbarum L.)

To investgate the effects of potassium (K) application on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji), three levels of K fertilizer, namely LK (25 g/plant), CK (50 g/plant), and HK (75 g/plant), were applied to plants in phytotron for observing and measuring relevant indicators. The investigation involved seven agronomic traits: plant height, plant stem diameter, new branch increment, yield of fresh fruits per plant, dry fruit quantity within 50 g, ratio of different grade fruits, and ratio of longitudinal diameter to transverse diameter of Goji fruits. The results showed that K application level had significant effect on ratio of the longitudinal diameter to the transverse diameter of fresh Goji fruits, and that the influence on other agronomic traits was slight. In the meanwhile, the concentrations of amino acids, betaine, polysaccharides and flavonoids of Goji fruits in different levels of K fertilizer were tested. The K treatment increased the content of glutamic acid, and decreased that of flavonoids (P < 0.05), whereas the content of other amino acids, polysaccharides and betaine were unaffected. A total of 132 flavonoid metabolites was identified. Among them, K treatment up-regulated 36 metabolites and down-regulated 30 metabolites (P < 0.05). The results provided a basis for balanced K supply to regulate the agronomic traits and nutrients of Goji fruits.

An ultra-dense linkage map identified quantitative trait loci corresponding to fruit quality- and size-related traits in red goji berry.

Goji berries are a small-fruited shrub with industrial importance whose fruit considered beneficial in both fresh and dried forms. Current germplasms of goji berries include small fruits with a short shelf life, less sweet and bitter taste, and a lack of appropriate genetic information. This study aimed to employ whole genome resequencing to generate an ultra-dense bin linkage map and to elucidate the genetic basis of goji fruit quality and size using quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping analysis in a cross-pollinated hybrid population. To achieve this goal, human sensory tests were carried out to determine the bitter taste (BT) and sweet taste (ST), and to quantify the soluble solid content (SSC), fruit firmness (FF), and fruit size-related traits of fresh goji fruits over three or four years. The results revealed that the goji bin linkage map based on resequencing spanned a total length of 966.42 cM and an average bin interval of 0.03 cM. Subsequent variant calling and ordering resulted in 3,058 bins containing 35,331 polymorphic markers across 12 chromosomes. A total of 99 QTLs, with individual loci in different environments explaining a phenotypic variance of 1.21-16.95% were identified for the studied traits. Ten major effects, including colocalized QTLs corresponding to different traits, were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, with a maximum Logarithm of Odds (LOD) of 29.25 and 16.95% of explained phenotypic variance (PVE). In addition, four stable loci, one for FF, one for fruit weight (FW), and two for fruit shape index (FSI), were mainly mapped on chromosomes 5, 6, and 7, elucidating 2.10-16.95% PVE. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic architecture of goji fruit traits along with identified specific loci and markers to further improve and develop sweeter, less bitter and larger fruited goji berry cultivars with extended shelf life.

Effect of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration on the drying characteristics and quality properties of goji

AbstractThe waxy layer on the surface of the goji fruit increases the dehydration time. In this study, the novel use of ultrasound pretreatment (10, 20, and 30 min) assisted with osmotic dehydration was utilized to improve drying efficiency and product quality of goji. The results showed that goji treated with ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration lost more water and gained more solids during osmotic dehydration than goji treated with osmotic dehydration only. Furthermore, the ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration pretreatment method shortened the drying time for freezing drying goji and lowered the water activity of the dried goji. This may be due to the destruction of the wax layer on the surface of the goji by ultrasound. The rehydration rate of the goji treated with ultrasound for 20 min was significantly higher than that of the samples dried by osmosis dehydration only. The application of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration resulted in the best color and the highest glutathione and total free amino acid content of goji, especially the taurine. Besides the above, the antioxidant capacity of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration‐treated goji was enhanced, with the highest 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values for the samples in the 20‐min ultrasound‐assisted group. The results demonstrate that ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration not only reduces the drying time of goji but also enhances its product quality.Practical applicationsThis study explored the effects of different ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration methods on the drying efficiency and quality of freeze‐dried goji. The findings provide a scientific basis for improving goji drying engineering and offer a potential strategy for enhancing goji quality.

Polyphenols profile and in vitro biological activities of black goji berries (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.)

BACKGROUND: Due to the presence of wide-range phytochemicals, particularly anthocyanins, and their health-promoting activities, black goji fruits (Lycium ruthenicum Murr., LRf) gained attention as functional foods or nutraceuticals. However, data on the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of LRf from outside Asian countries are very limited. OBJECTIVE: This study reports the polyphenols profile and in vitro biological activities of LRf cultivated in the southern part of Serbia. METHODS: The total content of polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins of LRf was determined spectrophotometrically, while the polyphenol profile was evaluated by LC-DAD-ESI-MS. Antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory potentials against α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and 15-lipoxygenase properties were determined spectrophotometrically. The prebiotic potential was assessed by the broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Chromatographic analysis confirmed that hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and acylated anthocyanins were the predominant polyphenols of LRf. In addition to antioxidative activities, Lycium ruthenicum methanol extract (LRe) showed inhibitory effects against all tested enzymes (IC50 = 5.28–7.28 mg/mL). Prebiotic potential on the growth of various microorganisms’ species was observed, with a marked effect on the growth of yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphenol pattern of LRf cultivated in Serbia corresponds with the literature data. Observed bioactivities support further phytochemical characterizations of LRf and investigations of their health-promoting effects, especially prebiotic properties.

Metabolic Profiling and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Melatonin-Induced Secondary Metabolism of Postharvest Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum L.).

Postharvest decay of goji berries, mainly caused by Alternaria alternata, results in significant economic losses. To investigate the effects of melatonin (MLT) on resistance to Alternaria rot in goji berries, the fruits were immersed in the MLT solutions with varying concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 75 μmol L-1) and then inoculated with A. alternata. The results showed that the fruits treated with 50 μmol L-1 MLT exhibited the lowest disease incidence and least lesion diameter. Meanwhile, endogenous MLT in the fruits treated with 50 μmol L-1 MLT showed higher levels than in the control fruits during storage at 4 ± 0.5 °C. Further, the enzymatic activities and expressions of genes encoding peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase, chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, and cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase were induced in the treated fruit during storage. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS revealed that secondary metabolites in the fruits on day 0, in order of highest to lowest levels, were rutin, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, naringenin, quercetin, kaempferol, and protocatechuic acid. MLT-treated fruits exhibited higher levels of secondary metabolites than the control. In conclusion, MLT treatment contributed to controlling the postharvest decay of goji fruit during storage by boosting endogenous MLT levels, thus activating the antioxidant system and secondary metabolism.

Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal the Critical Genes of Carotenoid Biosynthesis and Color Formation of Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) Fruit Ripening.

Carotenoids in goji (Lycium barbarum L.) have excellent health benefits, but the underlying mechanism of carotenoid synthesis and color formation in goji fruit ripening is still unclear. The present study uses transcriptomics and metabolomics to investigate carotenoid biosynthesis and color formation differences in N1 (red fruit) and N1Y (yellow fruit) at three stages of ripening. Twenty-seven carotenoids were identified in N1 and N1Y fruits during the M1, M2, and M3 periods, with the M2 and M3 periods being critical for the difference in carotenoid and color between N1 and N1Y fruit. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), gene trend analysis, and correlation analysis suggest that PSY1 and ZDS16 may be important players in the synthesis of carotenoids during goji fruit ripening. Meanwhile, 63 transcription factors (TFs) were identified related to goji fruit carotenoid biosynthesis. Among them, four TFs (CMB1-1, WRKY22-1, WRKY22-3, and RAP2-13-like) may have potential regulatory relationships with PSY1 and ZDS16. This work sheds light on the molecular network of carotenoid synthesis and explains the differences in carotenoid accumulation in different colored goji fruits.

Identification and Expression Pattern of the Carotenoid Cleavage Oxygenase Gene Family in Lycium Suggest CCOs Respond to Abiotic Stress and Promote Carotenoids Degradation

Carotenoids are key metabolites in goji (Lycium), a traditional Chinese medicine plant; however, the carotenoid content varies in fruits of different goji species, and the mechanism of this variation is not clear. Carotenoids participate in signal transduction and photosynthesis, and function as colorants and photoprotectors. Members of the carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) gene family are involved in the regulation of phytohormones, pigments, and aromatic substances, such as abscisic acid (ABA), β-carotenoid, and α-ionone, by degrading carotenoids. Some CCO genes are also related to an abiotic stress response. Here, a total of 12 LbCCO genes were identified and analyzed from the L. barbarum genome. CCO genes were divided into six subfamilies based on the constructed phylogenetic tree, including LbNCEDs, LbCCD1, LbCCD3, LbCCD4, LbCCD7, and LbCCD8. Among them, CCD3 was reported for the first time. The gene structure and motif analysis revealed the conservation of CCO subfamilies. Pseudogene generation and the importance of each subfamily in CCOs were revealed by collinearity analysis. The spatiotemporal transcriptomes of L. barbarum and L. ruthenicum were compared, suggesting that CCD4-1 may dominate carotenoid degradation in goji fruits. Cis-acting elements prediction and environment responsive gene expression analyses indicated that salt-alkali stress and photothermal conditions might influence the expression of CCOs in goji. The results of this study enhance our understanding of the carotenoid degradation pathway, and the functions and responses of CCOs in goji species.

Inhibitory effect of carvacrol against Alternaria alternata causing goji fruit rot by disrupting the integrity and composition of cell wall.

Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is a widely planted crop in China that is easily infected by the pathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata, which causes rot after harvest. Previous studies showed that carvacrol (CVR) significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata in vitro and reduced Alternaria rot in goji fruits in vivo. The present study aimed to explore the antifungal mechanism of CVR against A. alternata. Optical microscopy and calcofluor white (CFW) fluorescence observations showed that CVR affected the cell wall of A. alternata. CVR treatment affected the integrity of the cell wall and the content of substances in the cell wall as measured by alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Chitin and β-1,3-glucan contents in cells decreased after CVR treatment, and the activities of β-glucan synthase and chitin synthase decreased. Transcriptome analysis revealed that CVR treatment affected cell wall-related genes in A. alternata, thereby affecting cell wall growth. Cell wall resistance also decreased with CVR treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that CVR may exert antifungal activity by interfering with cell wall construction, leading to impairment of cell wall permeability and integrity.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the gene expression changes in postharvest goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) in response to hydrogen sulfide treatment

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is recognized for its beneficial role in postharvest fruit and vegetable preservation. Postharvest goji berries are easy to mildew and rot which reduce the nutritional value, flavor, and shelf life. Hydrogen sulfide treatment could improve the quality attributes of postharvest goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.); however, it is not clear that the effects of H2S at the transcriptional level in postharvest goji berries. Our data revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of fresh goji fruits after H2S treatment were different with different storage time. There were 523 DEGs in the three comparison groups after H2S treatment on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of storage. In the pathway of KEGG metabolic function, most of the DEGs were conserved in carbohydrate metabolism, secondary metabolites biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, the metabolic pathways of terpenoids and polyketones. The genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, starch, and sucrose metabolism pathway were selected and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Our results provide insights into the effect of H2S on postharvest goji berries at the transcriptional level and provide the basis for application of H2S as gas regulator for preservation of goji berry.

Technologies of cultivation and processing of Lycium chinense Mill. and Lycium barbarum L. fruits in the conditions of Uzbekistan

The scientific article presents the study results of the effectiveness production of Goji berries in the conditions of Uzbekistan. The agrobiological features and cultivation technology of L. Chinense Mill and L. barbarum L. were studied. Planting of 2-3 year old seedlings is effective compared to annual plants. After planting of seedlings, irrigation was carried out 400-450 m3. Improving the efficiency of plant development depends on the introduction of humus, phosphorus and potash fertilizers. The fruit of L. chinense is 2 nested, syncarpous. The walls of the outer epidermis are thickened and cutinized. This explains that the plant can be grown in arid conditions. The yield is determined by the increase in soil quality, you can get 540 kg/ha. The amino acid composition of the fruits of Lycium barbarum L. is represented by 16 amino acids, including 9 essential ones. The technology of drying Goji fruits in the shade is considered the most acceptable, as it does not lose taste and juiciness. Introduced environmentally friendly methods of production and storage of products. The preparation of compote, conserve, jam and dried products is recommended. The plants were fed. Economic efficiency and production volume on plantations are shown.

Transcriptome-Based Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Gene Expression in Goji Fruit Fly (Neoceratitis asiatica Becker) under Developmental Stages and Five Abiotic Stresses.

Goji fruit fly, Neoceratitis asiatica, is a major pest on the well-known medicinal plant Lycium barbarum. Dissecting molecular mechanisms of infestation and host selection of N. asiatica will contribute to the determination of best management practices for pest fly control. Gene expression normalization by Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) requires the selection and validation of appropriate reference genes (RGs). Hence, 15 candidate RGs were selected from transcriptome data of N. asiatica. Their expression stability was evaluated with five algorithms (∆Ct, Normfinder, GeNorm, BestKeeper, and RefFinder) for sample types differing in the developmental stage, sex, tissue type, and in response to five different abiotic stresses. Our results indicated that the RGs β-Actin + GST for sex, RPL32 + EF1α for tissue type, RPS13+ EF1α for developmental stages along with odor stimulation, color induction, and starvation-refeeding stresses, EF1α + GAPDH under insecticide stress, RPS13 + RPS18 under temperature stress, respectively, were selected as the most suitable RGs for qPCR normalization. Overall, RPS18 and EF1α were the two most stable RGs in all conditions, while RPS15 and EF1β were the least stable RGs. The corresponding suitable RGs and one unstable RG were used to normalize a target odorant-binding protein OBP56a gene in male and female antennae, different tissues, and under odor stimulation. The results of OBP56a expression were consistent with transcriptome data. Our study is the first research on the most stable RGs selection in N. asiatica, which will facilitate further studies on the mechanisms of host selection and insecticide resistance in N. asiatica.

Bioactivities and Microbial Quality of Lycium Fruits (Goji) Extracts Derived by Various Solvents and Green Extraction Methods.

Goji berries, known for their health-promoting properties, are increasingly consumed around the world, often in the form of naturally- or freeze-dried fruits, further unprocessed. The aim of the study was to obtain dried goji berries extracts, characterized by high bioactivity and safety in terms of microbial contamination for the consumer. In the study, various solvents (water, ethanol, acetone, ethyl lactate, sunflower oil) and green extraction methods (heating and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) were used. In goji extracts, antioxidant activity and carotenoids content as bioactivity indicators, as well as total number of microorganisms were determined. Boiling of powdered dried goji fruits in water resulted in extracts with the best features, i.e., with high antioxidant properties (2.75-4.06 μmol of Trolox equivalent (TE)/mL), moderate to high content of carotenoids (0.67-1.86 mg/mL), and a reduced number of microorganisms compared with fruits. Extracts in 50% ethanol and 50% acetone were characterized primarily by very high antioxidant activity (3.09-4.90 μmol TE/mL). The high content of carotenoids (0.98-3.79 mg/mL) and high microbial quality (&lt;10 CFU/g) were obtained by extraction in ethyl lactate by the UAE method. The results could be useful in the development of functional food based on goji berry ingredients.

Predictive Evaluation of Microbiological Stability of Soft Drinks with Lycium barbarum L. Stored at Temperature Shifts.

Lycium barbarum L., used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries, has gained popularity in Europe in the last decade because of its health-promoting properties assigned to phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Goji fruits and extracts are often used as ingredients in popular homemade milk cocktails. Within this study, the microbiological stability of the milkshake, with the addition of berries from NingXia Province and their extract, was evaluated using the ComBase® prognostic model. The extraction of dry berries in water at 70 °C for 72 h produced an extract showing radical inhibition of 64.9% and a total phenol content of 63.6 mg g−1. The phenolic compounds with the highest concentrations were in turn: 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, procyanidin B2, and catechin. The milkshake inoculated with the reference B. subtilis was a model for the study of its microbiological stability. Using ComBase®, a microbiological response to the delayed cooling of goji berry extract and the milkshake with the addition of goji berries was predicted and the model’s accuracy assessed. The best-performing models were constructed for extract (Bias factor Bf 1.33, Accuracy factor Af 3.43) and milkshake (Bf 1.29, Af 1.65) in a profile simulating delayed refrigeration (22.5 °C–9 °C–23 °C). Despite discrepancies between predicted and observed bacterial growth due to the antimicrobial effect of the derivatives of goji berries, the models were validated as „overpredict”, i.e., „fail safe”, and may be used to prognose the stability of these products in the given temperature profile.

Nutraceutical profile of goji (Lycium barbarum L.) berries in relation to environmental conditions and harvesting period

Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) berries are well known for their biological activities and health-promoting antioxidant properties. Environmental and climatic factors can greatly affect accumulation of secondary metabolites, carotenoids and other antioxidants in plants. We determined the content and composition of main functional constituents of goji berries produced in central Italy in relation to the time of harvesting during two ripening seasons by analyzing the main environmental variables involved. The highest flavonoids content (0,19 ± 0,006 mg QE/g) and antioxidant power (0,03 ± 0,001 mmol Fe2+eq/g) were found at the beginning of the fruiting season. In September, berries show the highest total polyphenols (3,22 ± 0,09 mg GAE/g) and zeaxanthin contents (339,79 ± 14,12 μg/g). Our study focused on some important aspects related to the production of goji fruits with high nutraceutical characteristics in a non-experimental cultivation. Our results could provide reliable information on Goji performance in the European climate to be used for the exploitation of the species suggesting the best harvesting timing in terms of antioxidant power and nutraceutical features of berries. This information could be particularly useful for farmers eager to improve the quality of their products.

Characterization and postharvest behavior of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) during ripening

This study aimed to characterize goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) fruit across different stages of maturity and ripening in terms of color, firmness, phytochemicals, and metabolic behavior. According to the producer's indication, the goji berry fruit was divided into six classes: early immature (green) to fully ripe (full red). Several maturity indexes were monitored for all classes, including dimension, weight, color (hue angle), firmness, soluble solid content (SSC), pH, and titratable acidity (TA). Fruit dimensions on the plant increased from class 1–6 starting from 8.08 mm in length, 3.95 mm in width, and 0.07 g of weight, to 16.26 mm, 13.15 mm, and 1.29 g, respectively. Soluble solids increased from 2.68% to 23.5%; the highest value observed even after storage. Goji berries showed a rise in respiration rate and ethylene production in the early stages of development. Goji berry stored for 8 d at 25 °C showed significant changes in color, soluble solids, TA, respiration, and ethylene production. Soluble solids from class 5 stabilized around the maximum value of 23% after eight days of storage at room temperature.Their high nutritional value was confirmed by the content of vitamin C, which is comparable to that of citrus fruit. It reached the maximum value of 0.52 g/kg at full ripening, whereas the phenolic content decreased during ripening to values of 2.15 g/kg. The latest contributed considerably to the high antioxidant content of the berries. Results obtained in this study contribute to better understand the postharvest behavior of goji fruits enabling a clearer definition of quality attributes during ripening and, in turn, improving postharvest handling and distribution of goji berries as fresh fruit.

Analysis of antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content of Goji fruit products available on the European market

Analysis of antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content of Goji fruit products available on the European market

Effects of postharvest cysteine treatment on sensory quality and contents of bioactive compounds in goji fruit

Effects of cysteine (Cys) treatments (0, 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.10%) on sensory quality and bioactive compounds in goji fruit stored at 4 °C and 90% RH for 10 d were investigated. Results indicated that 0.05% Cys treatment significantly reduced decay ratio and weight loss, and maintained total soluble solid content in goji fruit. Furthermore, 0.05% Cys treatment increased the contents of total phenolic, ascorbic acid and total glutathione, and the ratio of glutathione/oxidized glutathione, resulting in the higher antioxidant capacity. Determination of five free amino acids showed that 0.05% Cys treatment increased the Pro and Tau contents, while had no significant effect on the Cys, Glu and GABA contents. The increase in Tau content might be due to the up-regulation of two key genes involved in the Tau synthesis including CDO and CSAD. These findings suggested that Cys treatment could improve the storage quality in goji fruit.

Salicylic acid inhibits the postharvest decay of goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.) by modulating the antioxidant system and phenylpropanoid metabolites

Goji berry is a perishable fruit after harvest. To explore the biochemical and molecular mechanisms by which salicylic acid (SA) suppresses rot in goji berry, the fruit was treated with SA and stored for 30 d. Compared with the control, the SA-treated fruit showed smaller lesion areas during storage at 20 °C. During storage at 0 °C, the O2∙¯ production and H2O2 levels were lower in SA-treated fruit, although the H2O2 content was higher at the beginning of storage. SA induced the activities and gene expressions of the key proteins (SOD, CAT, APX and POD) associated with redox homeostasis. Simultaneously, the activities and gene expressions of PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI and CAD in phenylpropanoid metabolism was activated. Moreover, the production of chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid, protocatechuic acid, naringenin, and rutin were stimulated to maintain the higher levels by the most effective SA treatment (2 mmol L−1). The results indicate that SA inhibits rot of goji fruit during storage by mediating the antioxidant system and phenylpropanoid metabolism.

Treatment with exogenous salicylic acid maintains quality, increases bioactive compounds, and enhances the antioxidant capacity of fresh goji (Lycium barbarum L.) fruit during storage

Goji fruit is susceptible to rot and deterioration after harvest, but drying results in the loss of functional components. To explore the effects of salicylic acid (SA) on fruit quality, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity during storage, fresh goji fruit was treated with SA (1, 2, and 3 mmol L−1) and stored at 0 °C or ambient temperature. Compared to the control, SA repressed disease at both treatment temperatures. During storage at 0 °C, SA decreased respiration intensity and ethylene production and resulted in higher color values, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), and TSS-to-titratable acidity ratio compared to the control. Meanwhile, the SA-treated fruits showed lower weight loss, lower titratable acidity, and better sensory quality. Treated fruit stored at 0 °C also showed higher hydrophilic and lipophilic total antioxidant activities compared to the control, which was attributed to the higher contents of hydrophilic bioactive components (e.g., ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and total flavonoids) and lipophilic bioactive components (e.g., total carotenoids). Among the tested SA concentrations, 2 mmol L−1 SA had the strongest effects. The results demonstrate that SA can delay ripening and senescence, retain fruit quality, promote the accumulation of bioactive compounds, and enhance the antioxidant capacity of fresh goji fruit during storage.