Interactions of α-farnesene, conjugated trienols, and anti-oxidant activity during the development of superficial scald in ‘Fuji’ apple

SummaryThe effects of harvest maturity and post-harvest treatment with ethephon or 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the development of superficial scald in ‘Fuji’ apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) have been investigated. The concentrations of α-farnesene, conjugated trienols (CTols), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total anti-oxidant activity (TAA), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POX), and catalase (CAT) in the peel were measured during 24 weeks of storage of fruit harvested 3 weeks before (H1), or at (H2) commercial maturity. Fruit from H2 had a lower incidence and severity of superficial scald than fruit from H1. Scald development was further inhibited by the treatment of fruit with 1-MCP on either harvest date; however, treatment with ethephon inhibited the development of scald at H1, but increased it at H2. Fruit from H2 had lower concentrations of α-farnesene, CTols, and H2O2, but higher TAA and anti-oxidant enzyme activities than fruit from H1. 1-MCP treatment dim...