Epsilon-poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) exhibits multifaceted antifungal mechanisms of action that control postharvest Alternaria rot

ε-Poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) is a natural antimicrobial poly-cationic peptide widely applied as a natural preservative in the food industry, whereas its application in preventing postharvest loss of fruit was largely absent. This study investigated the antifungal activity of ε-PL and determined the possible mechanisms involved. The in vivo results indicated that 500 mg L−1 exogenous ε-PL treatment significantly inhibited black spot rot in apple, jujube, and tomato. The lesion diameter inhibition rate was range from 20.11% to 29.09% by 500 mg L−1 ε-PL treatment. ε-PL exerts antifungal activity against A. alternata in vitro, the half-inhibition concentration is 160.1 mg L−1. ε-PL induced morphology and ultrastructure change on the pathogen, which resulted in the inhibition of A. alternata. This was accomplished by disturbing pathogen membrane integrity and functionality. The fluorometric assay confirmed that ε-PL induced endogenous reactive oxygen species formation and accumulation in A. alternata and the elicited severe lipid peroxidation that caused membrane lesions. Further, ε-PL treatment enhanced the expression of genes involved in antioxidant metabolism and pathogenesis-related responses in apple fruit. These findings illustrated that ε-PL exhibits multifaceted antifungal activity by the direct effect on the pathogen as well as induce host defense responses. ε-PL may be conducive as a promising alternative for Alternaria rot management.