Molecular and biochemical differences underlying the efficacy of lovastatin in preventing the onset of superficial scald in a susceptible and resistant Pyrus communis L. cultivar

The molecular and biochemical events underlying the onset of superficial scald in two pear cultivars with different susceptibility (‘Blanquilla’ ‘Conference’) was investigated fruit untreated treated lovastatin, 1-MCP or ethylene. ‘Conference’ pears were characterized by higher content flavonols linolenic acid (18:3), metabolites related to chilling injury resistance. In this cultivar, expression level three genes belonging ascorbate glutathione pathway (APX, DHAR MDHAR) constitutively over-expressed, highlighting role that endogenous antioxidant potential played control. scald-susceptible cultivar (‘Blanquilla’) lovastatin treatment, contrast 1-MCP, effectively prevented development α-farnesene production without affecting ripening. Moreover, stimulated an increased ethanol oleic + cis vaccenic (18:1), both compounds being also involved cold stress tolerance. cultivars, did not impair devoted ethylene (ACO, ACS) perception (ERS1, ERS2). As a consequence, levels texture modifications (PG1) volatile emission (LOX, HPL, ADH AAT) maintained lovastatin-treated samples allowing reach adequate final quality. results from study are discussed highlight complex regulatory network cultivars.