The Control Effect and Mechanism of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Pink Mold Rot of Apple

doi:10.11924/j.issn.1000-6850.casb2025-0806

Abstract

Abstract:

This study investigated fungicidal efficacy and mechanism of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) against Trichothecium roseum, and its control effect on pink mold rot. T. roseum were treated with SAEW at different available chlorine concentrations (ACC) for varying durations to assess the impact of ACC and time on conidial germination and hyphal growth. The effect of SAEW on pink mold rot was evaluated by treating apples inoculated with T. roseum. Morphological changes in T. roseum conidia and hyphae induced by SAEW were observed using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Propidium iodide staining and reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe staining were employed to investigate the effect of SAEW on the cell membrane. Furthermore, the impact of SAEW treatment on apple fruit quality was determined. SAEW with an ACC of 200 mg/L or higher, applied for 3 minutes or longer, completely inhibited T. roseum conidial germination. Treatment with 400 mg/L SAEW for 10 minutes completely inhibited mycelial growth of T. roseum. SAEW effectively suppressed the occurrence of pink mold rot of apple under both wounded and unwounded conditions. SAEW exerted its lethal effect on T. roseum by damaging the hyphal cell wall and cell membrane, causing oxidative damage to the cell membrane. In addition, SAEW treatment did not adversely affect the quality of apple fruit.

Key words: electrolyzed water, Trichothecium roseum, disease control effect, apple, sterilization effect, mycelial morphology, scanning electron microscopy, spore germination

LI Yanan, LI Jiahui, WANG Shutong, HU Tongle, CAO Keqiang, DAI Pengbo. The Control Effect and Mechanism of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Pink Mold Rot of Apple[J]. Chinese Agricultural Science Bulletin, 2026, 42(6): 171-179.

Figures/Tables 11

References 34

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处理	失重率/%	硬度/N	可滴定酸/%	可溶性糖/%
对照	3.8±0.2a	7.9±0.6a	1.7±0.5a	11.6±0.5a
电解水	4.0±0.4a	7.6±0.4a	1.6±0.5a	11.5±0.5a

处理	失重率/%	硬度/N	可滴定酸/%	可溶性糖/%
对照	3.8±0.2a	7.9±0.6a	1.7±0.5a	11.6±0.5a
电解水	4.0±0.4a	7.6±0.4a	1.6±0.5a	11.5±0.5a