Effects of Different Storage Temperatures and Methyl Jasmonate on Grape Quality and Antioxidant Activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out how different postharvest temperatures and MeJA treatments affected the quality of table grapes, their antioxidant properties, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde they contained. For the investigation, postharvest Shine Muscat table grapes were treated with low and high temperatures and MeJA at concentrations of 10 and 100 μmol/L. The results indicated that treating grape berries with MeJA at concentrations of 10 and 100 μmol/L effectively reduced weight loss and mitigated the increase in soluble solid content while also mitigating the decrease in berry firmness and titratable acidity. Consequently, this treatment preserved the sensory and nutritional qualities of the berries and extended their shelf life. Meanwhile, the application of MeJA at a concentration of 10 μmol/L demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to the 100 μmol/L concentration and resulted in a significant enhancement of antioxidant activities by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase. Furthermore, the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in the samples increased for all treatments throughout the storage period. Nevertheless, the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde generation following MeJA treatment remained much lower compared to samples treated at room temperature and low temperature. Therefore, the postharvest application of MeJA at a concentration of 10 μmol/L could play a critical role as a stimulator of fruit quality as well as enhance physicochemical parameters and antioxidant activities for extending the shelf life of grapes during storage.