Antifungal efficiency and mechanisms of ethyl ferulate against postharvest pathogens

Postharvest loss caused by a range of pathogens necessitates exploring novel antifungal compounds that are safe and efficient in managing the pathogens. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ethyl ferulate (EF) and explored its mechanisms of action against Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium digitatum, Geotrichum candidum and evaluated its potential to inhibit postharvest decay. The results demonstrated that EF exerts potent antifungal activity against a wide board of postharvest pathogens. Results also revealed that its antifungal mechanism is multifaceted: EF may be involved in binding to and disturbing the integrity of the fungal plasma membrane, causing leakage of intracellular content and losing normal morphology and ultrastructure. EF also induced oxidative stress in the pathogen, causing membrane lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde accumulation. EF inhibited the critical gene expression of the pathogen, affecting its metabolic regulation, antioxidant metabolism, and cell wall degrading enzymes. EF exhibited antifungal inhibitory activity when applied directly into peel wounds or after incorporation with chitosan coating. Due to its wide board and efficient antifungal activity, EF has the potential to provide a promising alternative to manage postharvest decay.