[Changes in cell wall component metabolism and ultrastructure of postharvest persimmon fruit during softening]

The changes in cellular wall hydrolases, cellular wall components and cellular wall ultrastructure of postharvest persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Bianhua) fruit during softening were studied. Pectinesterase activity increased sharply at first and reached a peak (Fig.3A). Significant correlation was observed between the pectinesterase activity and the loss of flesh firmness (r= -0.74). Polygalacturonase activity increased slowly (Fig.3B), but there was no significant correlation between the polygalacturonase activity and the loss of flesh firmness. Beta-galactosidase activity increased sharply (Fig.3C), with a negative correlation between the b-galactosidase activity and the loss of flesh fruit firmness (r= -0.77). Cellulase activity increased markedly during ripening (Fig.3D). Significant correlation was observed between cellulase activity and the loss of flesh firmness (r= -0.90). Consistent with the increases in activity of cell wall hydrolases of cell wall constituents, fruit softening was accompanied by a progressive increase in WSP (water soluble pectin) content and a progressive decrease in protopectin and cellulose content (Fig.4). The cell wall structure was integrated when persimmon was harvested (Fig.5A). After 3 d of ripening, the middle lamella became liquefied (Fig.5B), or even the primary cell wall was dissolved in some regions (Fig.5C).