Abstract:

The effect of natural preservative agent on postharvest quality and lignification of Chinese chive scapes (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel) was examined during storage at room temperature. The results showed that the treatment with 20 mL L-1 natural preservative agent significantly delayed weight loss, decay index and opening rate of flowers, maintained higher chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents, inhibited respiration rate, reduced the activities of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and peroxidase, and retarded lignin and cellulose accumulation. The results suggest that the treatment with natural preservative agent may be a promising technique to maintain postharvest quality of Chinese chive scapes.