Melatonin stimulates postharvest ripening of apples by up-regulating gene expression of ethylene synthesis enzymes

Melatonin has been implicated in the regulation of ripening several types climacteric fruits, but its role apple is poorly understood. In this study, effectiveness melatonin influencing postharvest apples and interacting with ethylene biosynthesis process was investigated. Apples four local cultivars (Golden, Reineta, Blanquina Rabiosa) were harvest at an immature green stage immersed for 120 min a solution water (control), 50 µM, ACC 1 mM, µM + mM. The evolution quality parameters production assessed all 35 days after treatment. addition, Golden used to examine transcript abundance enzymes genes skin flesh. Exogenous improved during stimulated studied, advancing timing burst. Melatonin-induced changes correlated well fruit part similar those induced by precursor ACC, so appears be target melatonin. apple, expression MdACS1 MdACO1 genes, which showed profile that ethylene. transcriptional effects exogenous on ethylene-related also more notable than flesh, suggesting initiating former phytohormone. Taken together, results point fact may useful improving promoting colour flavour change extending firmness. effect mediated up-regulation activity peak, thus contributing increase availability.