Melatonin‐induced myeloblastosis viral oncogene homologs alleviate fresh‐cut lotus root browning during storage by attenuating flavonoid biosynthesis and reactive oxygen species

BACKGROUND Lotus roots (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) are rich in nutrients and have ornamental and food value. However, browning has caused huge economic losses and security risks during the storage and harvesting of fresh-cut lotus. This study investigated the role of melatonin in inhibiting lotus browning, and illustrates its molecular mechanism. RESULTS The application of melatonin effectively retarded the process of lotus browning, enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzyme activity, and inhibited the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD). Melatonin reduced flavonoid content, and decreased enzymatic activity in flavonoid biosynthesis. Transcriptome Sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to screen the genes regulated by exogenous melatonin when defending against fresh-cut lotus browning. Gene co-expression analysis (GCN) indicated that the transcription factors MYB5, MYB6, and MYB308, activated by melatonin, were negatively related to the expression of PPO and the genes related to flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These myeloblastosis viral oncogene homologs (MYBs) were positively related to the expression of genes encoding the enzymes in glutathione metabolism. CONCLUSION Melatonin retarded lotus browning by transcriptional suppression of key genes associated with flavonoid and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis through the stimulation of MYB5, MYB6, and MYB308. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.