Effect and Mechanism of L-Arginine against Alternaria Fruit Rot in Postharvest Blueberry Fruit

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of L-arginine (Arg) on the development of resistance to Alternaria tenuissima (A. tenuissima) in blueberries. The metabolism of reactive oxygen species, pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs), and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathways were analyzed, including changes in activity and gene expression of key enzymes. The results indicated that Arg treatment could prevent the development of Alternaria fruit rot in postharvest blueberries. In addition, it was also found to induce a burst of hydrogen peroxide in the blueberries early on during storage, thereby improving their resistance to A. tenuissima. Arg treatment was observed to increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase) and related gene expression, as well as the total levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanin in the blueberries. The activity and gene expression of the PRs (chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase) were elevated in Arg-treated blueberries, boosting their resistance to pathogens. Additionally, a surge in endogenous JA content was detected in Arg-treated blueberries, along with upregulated expression of key genes related the JA biosynthesis pathway (VcLOX1, VcAOS1, VcAOC, VcAOC3, VcOPR1, VcOPR3, VcMYC2, and VcCOI1), thereby further bolstering disease resistance. In conclusion, Arg treatment was determined to be a promising prospective method for controlling Alternaria fruit rot in blueberries.