Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing highlights the molecular mechanisms associated with the maintenance of postharvest quality in broccoli by red LED irradiation

Irradiation of green vegetables with different wavelengths of light represents a safe and effective technology that can be used to maintain postharvest quality. In this regard, our previous research demonstrated that red LED irradiation (50 μmol m−2 s−1) helped to delay the senescence of broccoli stored at room temperature. In the present study, a total of 20,246 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs), 3450 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and 135 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified in the response of broccoli to LED irradiation during storage, relative to non-irradiated broccoli. Results of the analysis of the DEG products indicated that the effect of red LED light on delaying senescence in broccoli stored at 20 °C involves an enhancement of genes involved in glucosinolate biosynthesis and the synthesis of chlorophyl a from glutamate. Red LED irradiation also delays increases in the expression of photosynthesis- and oxidative phosphorylation-related genes during the senescence of broccoli. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms associated with the response of broccoli to red LED irradiation, and confirms the potential of LED preservation technology.