Role of Phospholipase D Inhibitor in Regulating Expression of Senescence-related Phospholipase D gene in Postharvest Longan Fruit

Background: Phospholipase D (PLD)is closely related to browning and senescence of postharvest longan fruit. Objective: This study investigated the effects of 2-butanol (a PLD inhibitor) on the expression and regulation of PLD during storage of longan fruit at a low temperature. Methods: Senescence-related quality indices showed that the 2-butanol-treated fruit presented lower pericarp browning index, pulp breakdown index and total soluble solid value than the untreated fruit. Results: The fruit treated by 60 μL/L 2-butanol exhibited the strongest inhibition on senescence, which significantly delayed changes in weight, titratable acidity content, total soluble solid content and ascorbic acid content. This treatment maintained a high level of total phenolic content and caused significant inhibition on pericarp browning and pulp breakdown. Through ELISA method, 60 μL/L 2-butanol treatment also reduced PLD activity. Real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) results showed that PLD mRNA expression level was inhibited by 60 μL/L 2-butanol within 15 days. Western-blotting results further confirmed the differential expression of PLD during storage, and a relatively higher expression for PLD protein was found in control compared to the 2-butanoltreated fruit during 15-d storage. Conclusion: These results provided a scientific basis and reference to further investigating postharvest longan quality maintenance by regulating the PLD gene expression.