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Dynamic Metabolomic Changes During Superficial Scald Development and 1-MCP Intervention in 'Dangshansuli' Pears
Zhihong Feng1,2, Jiaxin Chang1, Zhenfeng Gao1
1College of Food Science and Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan 030031, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 27, 2026
Summary
1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) prevents superficial scald in pears by reprogramming fruit metabolism. This ethylene inhibitor shifts metabolic pathways away from damage and towards protective compounds, reducing postharvest losses.
Area of Science:
- Plant physiology
- Postharvest biology
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Superficial scald is a major postharvest disorder in pears, causing significant economic losses.
- The metabolic changes during scald development and the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic shifts during superficial scald development in pears.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which 1-MCP inhibits superficial scald.
Main Methods:
- Physiological assessments and untargeted metabolomics were used to analyze 'Dangshansuli' pears.
- KEGG and correlation network analyses were employed to understand metabolic reprogramming.
Main Results:
- Control pears showed escalating physiological disruption, including oxidative stress and phenolic metabolism dysregulation.
- 1-MCP acted as an ethylene antagonist and metabolic regulator, reducing scald-promoting compounds.
- 1-MCP promoted the synthesis of protective alkaloids and flavonoids, enhancing antioxidant capacity and cellular homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- 1-MCP triggers comprehensive metabolic reprogramming in pears, diverting them from the scald development pathway.
- This study provides a mechanistic basis for using 1-MCP to control postharvest pear losses through metabolic targeting.
