Induction of luteolin on postharvest color change and phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway in winter jujube fruit (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao).

The postharvest quality of winter jujubes is prone to deterioration, including inevitable pericarp reddening and rapid nutrient loss from the flesh, significantly impacting its edible quality and commercial value. As a crucial metabolic pathway in plants, phenylpropane metabolism not only regulates plant stress resistance but also closely relates to various coloration effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of luteolin solutions on postharvest color changes and phenylpropanoid metabolism in winter jujube. The results indicated that compared to the control group, winter jujube fruit treated with 200 mg L luteolin exhibited improved quality indexes, increased antioxidant capacity (capability of eliminating ABTS and DPPH radicals), and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes(superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)). This led to a reduction in the oxidation of phenolic substances in winter jujube. Furthermore, luteolin treatment inhibited phenylpropanoid metabolism by suppressing the activities of 4-Coumarate: coenzyme A ligase (4CL), phenylalanine ammonilyase (PAL), and cinnamate 4 hydroxylase (C4H), as well as the expression of ZjUFGT, ZjDFT, and ZjPAL genes. Consequently, anthocyanin and quercetin synthesis were limited while the degradation rate of chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis were slowed down after luteolin treatment. This resulted in delayed reddening of winter jujube following luteolin treatment. In conclusion, luteolin exhibits potential application prospects as a preservative for inhibiting reddening and browning in winter jujubes.