Online First

 Preview Page

Research Article

The Influences of Salicylic Acid and 1-Methylcyclopropene on Fruit Quality and Ethylene Production Mechanism of ‘Picnic’ Apples during Storage
Jung-Geun Kwon1†
,
Hye-Jin Cho2†
,
Jingi Yoo3
,
Areum Han2
,
Kyoungook Kim2
,
Aung Htay Naing2
,
Chaw Su Win2
,
Nay Myo Win3
,
In-Kyu Kang2*
1Apple Research Center, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Gunwi 43100, Korea
2Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
3Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
*Corresponding Author
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
PDF XML Citation
Abstract

We evaluated the effects of salicylic acid (SA), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and their combination (SA+1-MCP) on fruit quality changes associated with ethylene production and perception mechanism in ‘Picnic’ apples during storage at 20 ± 1°C for 5 weeks. The 1-MCP treatment group showed lower internal ethylene concentration (IEC), respiratory rate, and weight loss and a higher firmness and titratable acidity (TA) than those of the control group. The SA+1-MCP group showed the similar IEC and respiration rate with 1-MCP group, but higher firmness and TA values than that of 1-MCP and other treatment groups. The SA group showed a lower IEC and respiratory rate and higher firmness and TA than those of the control group. However, the SA group showed higher IEC and respiration rate and lower firmness and TA than that of 1-MCP group. Soluble solids content and peel color values were less affected by all treatment groups. Regarding the molecular mechanism, the 1-MCP and SA+1-MCP treatments significantly downregulated ethylene production and perception genes (MdACS1, MdACO1, MdETR1, MdERS2, MdCTR1, MdEIN2, MdEIL1, and MdERF1) during the storage period compared to those in the control and SA groups. However, the expression levels of candidate genes did not differ between the 1-MCP and SA+1-MCP groups. Conclusively, this study revealed that SA treatment alone was less affected on ethylene inhibition and fruit quality maintenance during storage. A combination of SA+1-MCP showed a greater role in promoting the fruit quality of ‘Picnic’ apples during storage.

Keywords
ethylene receptors
firmness
respiration rate
titratable acidity
weight loss
References
1

Ai TN, Naing AH, Arun M, Lim SH, Kim CK (2016) Sucrose-induced anthocyanin accumulation in vegetative tissue of Petunia plants requires anthocyanin regulatory transcription factors. Plant Sci 252:144-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2016.06.021

10.1016/j.plantsci.2016.06.021
2

Akcay UC, Baloglu MC, Altunoglu YC, Baloglu P, Koyuncu MA, Erbas D, Horuz E, Arslan B, Turkoglu S (2025) Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides novel insights on the hormonal regulation of postharvest apples under cold storage. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 66:1089-1105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-025-00710-1

10.1007/s13580-025-00710-1
3

Bakshi A, Shemansky JM, Chang C, Binder BM (2015) History of research on the plant hormone ethylene. J Plant Growth Regul 34:809-827. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-015-9522-9

10.1007/s00344-015-9522-9
4

Ban SH, Yun WH, Kim GH, Kwon SI, Choi C (2014) Genetic identification of apple cultivars bred in Korea using sample sequence repeat marker. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 55:531-539. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-014-0017-6

10.1007/s13580-014-0017-6
5

Barry CS, Giovannoni JJ (2007) Ethylene and fruit ripening. J Plant Growth Regul 26:143-159. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-007-9002-y

10.1007/s00344-007-9002-y
6

Baswal AK, Dhaliwal HS, Singh Z, Mahajan BVC, Gill KS (2020) Postharvest application of methyl jasmonate, 1-methylcyclopropene and salicylic acid extends the cold storage life and maintain quality of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis L. X C. deliciosa L.) fruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 161:111064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2019.111064

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2019.111064
7

Blanpied GD, Silsby KJ (1992) Predicting harvest date window for apples. Cornell Coop Ext 221:1-12. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/3299. (Assessed on July 1, 1992)

8

Chong J, Soufan O, Li C, Caraus I, Li S, Bourque G, Wishart DS, Xia J (2018) MetaboAnalyst 4.0: towards more transparent and integrative metabolomics analysis. Nuc Acids Res 46:486-494. https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gky310

10.1093/nar/gky31029762782PMC6030889
9

Costa F, Alba R, Schouten H, Soglio V, Gianfranceschi L, Serra S, Musacchi S, Sansavini S, Costa G, et al. (2010) Use of homologous and heterologous gene expression profiling tools to characterize transcription dynamics during apple fruit mutation and ripening. BMC Plant Biol 10:229. https://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2229/10/229

10.1186/1471-2229-10-22920973957PMC3095317
10

Dal Cin V, Rizzini FM, Botton A, Tonutti P (2006) The ethylene biosynthetic and signal transduction pathways are differently affected by 1-MCP in apple and peach fruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 42:125-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2006.06.008

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2006.06.008
11

Doerflinger FC, Miller WB, Nock JF, Watkins CB (2015) Variations in zonal fruit starch concentrations of apples – a developmental phenomenon or an indication of ripening? Hortic Res 2:15047. https://doi.org/10.1038/hortres.2015.47

10.1038/hortres.2015.4726504584PMC4604666
12

Giovannoni JJ (2007) Fruit ripening mutants yield insights into ripening control. Curr Opi Plant Biol 10:283-289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2007.04.008

10.1016/j.pbi.2007.04.008
13

Goulao LF, Oliveira CM (2007) Cell wall modifications during fruit ripening: when a fruit is not the fruit. Trends Food Sci Technol 19:4-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2007.07.002

10.1016/j.tifs.2007.07.002
14

Harker FR, Kupferman EM, Marin AB, Gunson FA, Triggs CM (2008) Eating quality standards for apples based on preferences. Postharvest Biol Technol 50:70-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2008.03.020

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2008.03.020
15

Hu ZL, Deng L, Chen XQ, Wang PQ, Chen GP (2010) Co-suppression of the EIN2-homology gene LeEIN2 inhibits fruit ripening and reduces ethylene sensitivity in tomato. Rus J Plant Physiol 57:554-559. https://doi.org/10.1134/S102144371004014X

10.1134/S102144371004014X
16

Kazemi M, Aran M, Zamani S (2011) Effect of salicylic acid treatments on quality characteristics of apple fruits during storage. Am J Plant Physiol 6:113-119. https://doi.org/10.3923/ajpp.2011.113.119

10.3923/ajpp.2011.113.119
17

Khedr EH (2016) Impact of 1-methylcyclopropene and salicylic acid treatments on quality characteristics of ‘Keitt’ mangos during storage and shelf life. J Hortic Sci Ornam Plants 8:192-199. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.jhsop.2016.192.199

10.5829/idosi.jhsop.2016.192.199
18

Kim SJ, Noh SI, Choi C, Lim BS, Ahn YJ, Chun JP (2019) Effects of salicylic acid and 1-methylcyclopropene on physiological disorders and berry quality in ‘Campbell Early’ table grapes. Protec Hortic Plant Fac 28:218-224. https://doi.org/10.12791/KSBEC.2019.28.3.218

10.12791/KSBEC.2019.28.3.218
19

Kwon J, Yoo J, Lee S, Win NM, Kang I (2025) Influence of fruit maturity on fruit quality and skin structural composition of ‘Picnic’ apples at harvest and during cold storage. Sci Hortic 347:114192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114192

10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114192
20

Kwon YS, Park JT, Yoo J, Do VG, Kim JH, Cho YS, Yang S, Kang IK, Win NM (2024) 1-Methylcyclopropene improves the postharvest physiological characteristics and fruit quality of ‘Colorpple’ and ‘Manhong’ apple cultivars during storage at warm and cold temperatures. Hortic Sci Technol 42:151-166. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20240013

10.7235/HORT.20240013
21

Latt TT, Lee J, Park H, Byeon S, Han SY, Lwin HP, Seo H, Yun SK, Lee J (2025) Pre-storage conditioning treatment reduces physiological disorders by mediating the targeted primary metabolites in ‘Chuhwangbae’ pears during shelf life after cold storage. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 66:673-688. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-025-00690-2

10.1007/s13580-025-00690-2
22

Li Y, He H, Hou Y, Kelimu A, Wu F, Zhao Y, Shi L, Zhu X (2022) Salicylic acid treatment delays apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruit softening by inhibiting ethylene biosynthesis and cell wall degradation. Sci Hortic 300:111061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111061

10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111061
23

Liang C, Cui X, Sun C, Ye S, Huang N, Chen R, Zhang A, Yang Y, Gong H, et al. (2023) Synergistic and antagonistic effects of preharvest salicylic acid and postharvest 1-methylcyclopropene treatments on the storage quality of apricot. Food Chem 405:134764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134764

10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134764
24

Liu C, Zhao A, Zhu P, Li J, Han L, Wang X, Fan W, Lu R, Wang C, et al. (2015a) Characterization and expression of genes involved in the ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction during ripening of mulberry fruit. PloS One 10:e0122081. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122081

10.1371/journal.pone.012208125822202PMC4378970
25

Liu M, Pirrello J, Chervin C, Roustan JP, Bouzayen M (2015b) Ethylene control of fruit ripening: Revisiting the complex network of transcriptional regulation. Plant Physiol 169:2380-2390. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.15.01361

10.1104/pp.15.0136126511917PMC4677914
26

Martinez-Romero D, Bailen G, Serrano M, Guillen F, Valverde JM, Zapata P, Catillo S, Valero D (2007) Tools to maintain postharvest fruit and vegetable quality through the inhibition of ethylene action: a review. Crit Reviews Food Sci Nutr 47:543-560. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408390600846390

10.1080/10408390600846390
27

Mata CI, Magpantay J, Hertog MLATM, Van de Poel B, Nicolai BM (2021) Expression and protein levels of ethylene receptors, CTRs and EIN2 during tomato fruit ripening as affected by 1-MCP. Postharvest Biol Technol 179:111573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111573

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111573
28

Meng X, Fang J, Fu M, Jiao X, Ren P, Yang X (2023) The role of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and salicylic acid (SA) in induced resistance of postharvest fruits. Horticulturae 9:108. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010108

10.3390/horticulturae9010108
29

Park HL, Seo DH, Lee HY, Bakshi A, Park C, Chien YC, Kieber JJ, Binder BM, Yoon GM (2023) Ethylene-triggered subcellular trafficking of CTR1 enhances the response to ethylene gas. Nat Commun 14:365. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-35975-6

10.1038/s41467-023-35975-636690618PMC9870993
30

Seymour GB, Chapman NH, Chew BL, Rose JKC (2012) Regulation of ripening and opportunities for control in tomato and other fruits. Plant Biotechnol J 11:269-278. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7652.2012.00738.x

10.1111/j.1467-7652.2012.00738.x
31

Shafiee M, Taghavi TS, Babalar M (2010) Addition of salicylic acid to nutrient solution combined with postharvest treatments (hot water, salicylic acid, and calcium dipping) improved postharvest fruit quality of strawberry. Sci Hortic 124:40-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2009.12.004

10.1016/j.scienta.2009.12.004
32

Sidhu RS, Bound SA, Hunt I, Swarts ND (2024) Impact of pre-harvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on fruit quality, physiological disorders and respiration rate of ‘Scilate’ apple. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 65:877-890. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-024-00616-4

10.1007/s13580-024-00616-4
33

Singh V, Weksler A, Friedman H (2017) Different preclimacteric events in apple cultivars with modified ripening physiology. Front Plant Sci 8:1502. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.01502

10.3389/fpls.2017.0150228928755PMC5591845
34

Sisler EC, Serek M (1997) Inhibitors of ethylene responses in plants at the receptor level: recent developments. Physiol Plantar 100:577-582. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1399-3054.1997.tb03063.x

10.1111/j.1399-3054.1997.tb03063.x
35

Solano R, Stepanova A, Chao A, Ecker JR (1998) Nuclear events in ethylene signaling: a transcriptional cascade mediated by ETHYLENE- INSENSITIVE3 and ETYLENE-RESPONSE-FACTOR1. Genes Dev 12:3703-3714. https://doi.org/10.1101/gad.12.23.3703

10.1101/gad.12.23.37039851977PMC317251
36

Supapvanich S, Mitsang P, Youryon P (2017) Preharvest salicylic acid application maintains physiochemical quality of ‘Taaptimjaan’ wax apple fruit (Syzygium samarangenese) during short-term storage. Sci Hortic 215:178-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2016.11.046

10.1016/j.scienta.2016.11.046
37

Tatsuki M, Endo A (2006) Analyses of expression patterns of ethylene receptor genes in apple Malus domestica Borkh. fruit treated with or without 1-methylcyclopropene. J Jap Soc Hortic Sci 75:481-487. https://doi.org/10.2503/jjshs.75.481

10.2503/jjshs.75.481
38

Tatsuki M, Hayama H, Nakamura Y (2009) Apple ethylene receptor protein concentrations are affected by ethylene, and differ in cultivars that have different storage life. Planta 230:407-411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-009-0953-z

10.1007/s00425-009-0953-z
39

Thongkum M, Imsabai W, Burns P, McAtee PA, Schaffer RJ, Allan AC, Ketsa S (2018) The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on expression of ethylene receptor genes in durian pulp during ripening. Plant Physiol Biochem 125:232-238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.02.004

10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.02.004
40

Wakasa Y, Kudo H, Ishikawa R, Akada S, Senda M, Niizeki M, Harada T (2006) Low expression of an endopolygalacturonase gene in apple fruit with long-term storage potential. Postharvest Biol Technol 39:193-198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2005.10.005

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2005.10.005
41

Wang A, Tan D, Takahashi A, Li TZ, Harada T (2007) MdERFs, two ethylene-response factors involved in apple fruit ripening. J Exp Bot 58:3743-3748. https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erm224

10.1093/jxb/erm224
42

Wang KLC, Li H, Ecker JR (2002) Ethylene biosynthesis and signaling networks. Plant Cell S131-S151. https://doi.org/10.1105/tpc.001768

10.1105/tpc.00176812045274PMC151252
43

Watkins CB (2006) The use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on fruits and vegetables. Biotechnol Adv 24:389-409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2006.01.005

10.1016/j.biotechadv.2006.01.005
44

Watkins CB (2008) Overview of 1-methylcyclopropene trials and uses for edible horticultural crops. HortScience 43:86-94. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.43.1.86

10.21273/HORTSCI.43.1.86
45

Wiersma PA, Zhang H, Lu C, Quail A, Toivonen PMA (2007) Survey of the expression of genes for ethylene synthesis and perception during maturation and ripening of ‘Sunrise’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apple fruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 44:204-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2006.12.016

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2006.12.016
46

Win NM, Park JT, Kim JH, Kim YS, Kwon JG, Kang IK, Yoo J, Kwon DG (2025) Fruit maturity and 1-methylcyclopropene influence quality retention and chlorophyll degradation in ‘Golden Ball’ apples during cold storage. Horticulturae 11:1302. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11111302

10.3390/horticulturae11111302
47

Win NM, Yoo J, Kwon SI, Watkins CB, Kang IK (2019) Characterization of fruit quality attributes and cell wall metabolism in 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-treated ‘Summer King’ and ‘Green Ball’ apples during cold storage. Front Plant Sci 10:1513. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.01513

10.3389/fpls.2019.0151331824539PMC6882424
48

Xu F, Liu Y, Zu J, Fu L (2018) Influence of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) combined with salicylic acid (SA) treatment on the postharvest physiology and quality of banana. J Food Proc Preserv 43:e13880. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.13880

10.1111/jfpp.13880
49

Yang SF, Hoffman NE (1984) Ethylene biosynthesis and its regulation in higher plants. An. Review Plant Physiol 35:155-189. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.pp.35.060184.001103

10.1146/annurev.pp.35.060184.001103
50

Yang X, Song J, Campbell-Palmer L, Fillmore S, Zhang Z (2013) Effect of ethylene and 1-MCP on expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and perception during ripening of apple fruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 78:55-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2012.11.012

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2012.11.012
51

Yoo J, Jung H, Win NM, Kwon JG, Cho YJ, Jung HJ, Lee DH, Kang IK (2020) Changes in fruit quality attributes, cell wall materials, and related hydrolases activities in 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-treated ‘Honggeum’ apples during cold storage. Hortic Sci Technol 38:870-879. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20200079

10.7235/HORT.20200079
52

Yoo J, Lee J, Kwon SI, Chung KH, Lee DH, Choi IM, Mattheis JP, Kang IK (2016) Differences in ethylene and fruit quality attributes during storage in new apple cultivars. Kor J Hortic Sci Technol 34:257-268. https://doi.org/10.12972/kjhst.20160027

10.12972/kjhst.20160027
53

Zhang H, Ma Z, Wang J, Wang P, Lu D, Deng S, Lei H, Gao Y, Tao Y (2021) Treatment with exogenous salicylic acid maintains quality, increases bioactive compounds, and enhances the antioxidant capacity of fresh goji (Lycium barbarum L.) fruit during storage. LWT Food Sci Technol 140:110837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110837

10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110837
54

Zhang J, Ma Y, Dong C, Terry LA, Watkins CB, Yu Z, Cheng ZM (2020) Meta-analysis of the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on climacteric fruit ripening. Hortic Res 7:208. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41438-020-00405-x

10.1038/s41438-020-00405-x33328458PMC7713375
55

Zhang Y, Chen K, Zhang S, Ferguson I (2003) The role of salicylic acid in postharvest ripening of kiwifruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 28:67-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-5214(02)00172-2

10.1016/S0925-5214(02)00172-2
56

Zhao Y, Song C, Brummell DA, Qi S, Lin Q, Bi J, Duan Y (2021) Salicylic acid treatment mitigates chilling injury in peach fruit by regulation of sucrose metabolism and soluble sugar content. Food Chem 358:129867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129867

10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129867
Information
  • Publisher :KOREAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국원예학회
  • Journal Title :Horticultural Science and Technology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :원예과학기술지
  • Received Date : 2025-09-09
  • Revised Date : 2026-01-05
  • Accepted Date : 2026-01-06
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20250083
Journal Informaiton Horticultural Science and Technology Horticultural Science and Technology
Online Submission
  • scopus
  • NRF
  • KOFST
  • crossref crossmark
  • crossref cited-by
  • crosscheck
  • orcid
  • open access
  • ccl
Journal Informaiton Journal Informaiton - close