Speakers - AFHWC2025

Abstract

Peptide hormones are defined as small secreted polypeptide-based intercellular communication signal molecules. These peptide hormones are encoded by nuclear genes, and often go through proteolytic processing of preproproteins and post-translational modifications, thereby functioning in numerous metabolisms of growth, development and stress response. However, their effects on postharvest shelf-life quality of fruits is rarely reported. Hence, CLAVATA3/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REIGON-related 26 (CLE26) peptide at different concentration was used to soak ‘Xuxiang’ kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) fruits for 5 min, followed by a 15-day shelf life at 22℃, with samples taken every five days to observe changes in fruit quality and microstructure. The results showed that CLE26 significantly inhibited the decrease of firmness. However, they inhibited the synthesis of soluble solids and maintained the content of titratable acids. CLE26 also maintained fruit lightness and hue angle, and inhibited respiration rates and ethylene production. Moreover, E-nose and E-tongue analyses revealed that the flavor of CLE26 at different concentration was different from that of control. Correspondingly, the microstructure analysis showed that starch granules in the CLE26-treated pulp degraded slowly, and the cellular and subcellular structures were better than the control. Taken together, CLE26 can effectively maintain the quality and cellular and subcellular structure of kiwifruit during shelf life, which provides a new perspective for the application of peptides in fruit preservation.