October 14, 2025 | Postharvest Biology and Technology |
This study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences investigates the role of coronatine (COR) in regulating postharvest ripening and softening of ‘Gui Qi’ mango, a climacteric fruit in which texture strongly affects market value and shelf-life management. While ethylene is known to control mango ripening, the involvement of COR in fruit softening had not been previously clarified.
Exogenous COR treatment was applied to harvested mango fruit to evaluate its effects on ripening-related physiological and molecular processes. The results showed that COR did not alter sugar or organic acid metabolism, indicating limited influence on flavor development. However, COR significantly accelerated fruit softening by reducing firmness and malondialdehyde content, suggesting decreased membrane lipid peroxidation. At the same time, activities of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and catalase, were enhanced.
Transcriptome analysis identified 24 genes encoding mango β-galactosidase (Miβ-GAL), enzymes known to participate in cell wall degradation. COR treatment notably upregulated Miβ-GAL2 expression, which was positively correlated with ethylene production and the expression of key ethylene biosynthesis genes, including SAMS, ACS, and ACO. This coordinated regulation promoted increased β-galactosidase activity and faster cell wall modification.
Overall, the study demonstrates that COR can accelerate postharvest softening of ‘Gui Qi’ mango by modulating ethylene-related pathways and cell wall–degrading enzymes, providing new insight into ripening regulation and potential tools for postharvest management.
