Fruit-specific effects of tryptophan and melatonin as active components to extend the functionality of red fruits during post-harvest processing

Preserving quality attributes in the distribution chain is a challenging task, particularly in fruits with a brief shelf life. The application of melatonin in cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries stored at room temperature was evaluated, as well as the effects of its precursor (trypto...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Arabia, Alba, Muñoz, P., Munné Bosch, Sergi
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:ubarcelona__::15f40d9d66d1d1a903c8c62a0e11ca86
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/229178
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Fruita
Triptòfan
Collites
Fruit
Tryptophan
Harvesting
Descripción
Sumario:Preserving quality attributes in the distribution chain is a challenging task, particularly in fruits with a brief shelf life. The application of melatonin in cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries stored at room temperature was evaluated, as well as the effects of its precursor (tryptophan) to determine their specificity and interchangeable feasibility for post-harvest applications. The results demonstrated that melatonin is effective in all tested fruits, reducing deterioration rate and its severity, preserving fruit firmness and reducing darkening and weight loss. Furthermore, tryptophan applications incremented melatonin contents in strawberries and blueberries and delayed decay in both fruits. Melatonin reduced postharvest losses in all studied fruits related to its antisenescent properties, while the beneficial impact of tryptophan in extending shelf life was fruit-specific and appeared to be partly mediated by melatonin. Melatonin and tryptophan must be considered as active components of new formulations for extending the shelf life of red fruits during post-harvest processing.