Effects of trans-2-hexenal and cis-3-hexenal on post-harvest strawberry

Sci Rep. 2019 Jul 12;9(1):10112. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-46307-4.

Abstract

Green leaf volatiles are emitted by green plants and induce defence responses. Those with antifungal activities in plants may replace chemicals as natural post-harvest treatments. We investigated the postharvest treatment of strawberry with trans-2-hexenal and cis-3-hexenal and observed a decrease in the mould infection rate. To determine the volatiles' functions, we conducted a component analysis of the volatiles released from trans-2-hexenal-treated strawberry and analysed gene expression. Several acetates, which were expected to be metabolites of trans-2-hexenal in fruit, were released from treated strawberry; however, these acetates did not inhibit fungal growth. The gene expression analysis suggested that postharvest strawberries were not protected by jasmonic acid-mediated signalling but by another stress-related protein. Harvested strawberries experience stress induced by harvest-related injuries and are unable to perform photosynthesis, which might result in different responses than in normal plants.

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / pharmacology*
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Botrytis / drug effects
  • Botrytis / growth & development
  • Botrytis / pathogenicity
  • Cyclopentanes / analysis
  • Food Microbiology
  • Fragaria / drug effects*
  • Fragaria / genetics
  • Fragaria / microbiology*
  • Fruit / drug effects
  • Fruit / genetics
  • Fruit / microbiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / drug effects
  • Oxylipins / analysis
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Cyclopentanes
  • Oxylipins
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • 3-hexenal
  • 2-hexenal
  • jasmonic acid