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The wound response in fresh-cut lettuce involves programmed cell death events.
Elena T Iakimova1,2, Ernst J Woltering3,4
1Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, P.O. Box 630, 6700AP, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Protoplasma
|February 23, 2018
Summary
Programmed cell death (PCD) causes browning and senescence in fresh-cut lettuce after wounding. This process involves cell shrinkage and self-digestion, potentially sealing wounds and signaling senescence via messengers like trichomes.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Postharvest Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Postharvest browning and senescence are significant issues in fresh-cut produce quality.
- Butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) fresh-cuts are susceptible to wound-induced disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of programmed cell death (PCD) in wound-induced browning and senescence of butterhead lettuce fresh-cuts.
Main Methods:
- Observation of cellular and biochemical changes at wounded and non-wounded sites.
- Analysis of cell death morphology (necrotic and vacuolar PCD).
- Assessment of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and electrolyte leakage.
Main Results:
- Wounding induced rapid browning, chlorophyll loss, and cell death resembling necrotic PCD at injury sites.
- Senescence with similar cell death features initiated in non-wounded areas post-wounding.
- Vacuolar PCD was observed, indicated by empty cell corpses.
- Trichomes appeared to be early sites of H2O2 accumulation and cell death, potentially mediating wound signaling.
Conclusions:
- Programmed cell death is an integral component of the wound response in fresh-cut lettuce.
- PCD may function in wound sealing and in the initiation of systemic senescence.
- Wound signaling, potentially involving trichomes, contributes to the progression of senescence.
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