Comparative Physiological Analysis of Lignification, Anthocyanin Metabolism and Correlated Gene Expression in Red Toona sinensis Buds during Cold Storage

The characteristics of anthocyanin and lignin are important parameters in evaluating the quality red Toona sinensis buds. Red T. buds prone to senescence during postharvest storage, which subsequently affects their sales. However, mechanism under low-temperature conditions remains unclear. In this study, were stored at 4 °C, contents as well enzyme activities PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase), 4CL (4-coumarate-CoA ligase), CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase) POD (peroxidase) determined 0, 1, 2 3 d after handing. Meanwhile, cellular structure was observed by microscopy. relative expression lignin-related anthocyanin-related genes analyzed using qRT-PCR. results show that content leaves higher than petioles. After 4.66 times Moreover, gradually increased. Compared with 0 d, petioles increased 331.8 94.14 mg·g−1, respectively. PAL, 4CL, cold storage. intercellular space arrangement palisade tissue sponge mesophyll became smaller closer, secondary cell wall xylem cells thickened, number increased, closed leaf vein bud levels (Except for TsCHS TsANS) storage highly consistent accumulation patterns anthocyanins lignin. This study may serve a reference exploring molecular mechanisms senescence, regulating cultivating new varieties have low but high harvest.