Recent update on the mechanism of hydrogen sulfide improving the preservation of postharvest fruits and vegetables

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a multifaceted gas-signaling molecule, regulates the ripening and senescence of postharvest fruits and vegetables (F&V). This article emphasized on the effects of H2S treatment on the sensory quality, physiology, and biochemistry of postharvest F&V. The possible mechanisms of active oxygen metabolism, cell-wall degradation, respiration and energy metabolism, ethylene synthesis, signal-transduction regulation, and activation are summarized. Herein, we mainly discussed the application of H2S in F&V preservation, effects on sensory quality of postharvest F&V, synthesis of endogenous H2S, and the mechanism of H2S regulating postharvest ripening and senescence of F&V, so as to provide reference for future applications of H2S as signal molecule.