Integrative metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses reveal pivotal regulatory mechanisms of 1-methylcyclopropene in maintaining postharvest storage quality of ‘Fuji’ apples

Abstract In this study, integrative metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on apple fruit quality during long-term cold storage. The results showed that 1-MCP (1 μL/L) treatment could maintain fruits apparent quality (i.e. external color and firmness), inhibit the increase of rot rate and soluble solids content/titratable acidity ratio, decrease ethylene release, and respiratory intensity during cold storage, and extend shelf life. Moreover, 1-MCP had long-term effects on the accumulation of many qualities related to metabolite and gene expression in fruits. 1-MCP affected genes related to metabolism at the early stage of storage, specifically those of the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways. Genes related to the degradation of sucrose, starch, and cellulose were inhibited, and some starch and cellulose synthesis genes were up-regulated by 1-MCP. Apart from ethylene synthesis and signal transduction being inhibited by 1-MCP, several enzymes (pectinesterase, pectate lyase, polygalacturonase) were involved in pectin degradation, and degradation products of the cell wall (i.e. d-galacturonic acid and d-glucuronic acid) were also strongly inhibited, further maintaining fruit firmness. Cysteine, as precursor glutathione (GSH) related to plant resistance, up-regulated the synthase gene. However, the expression of genes related to cyanoalanine synthase and amino acid utilization pathways was suppressed by 1-MCP. Collectively, 1-MCP could maintain the postharvest quality of apple fruits.