Chlorine dioxide treatment decreases respiration and ethylene synthesis in fresh‐cut ‘<scp>H</scp>ami’ melon fruit

Abstract

Summary The effects of chlorine dioxide ( ClO 2 ) on respiration and ethylene synthesis of fresh‐cut melon fruit and the possible mechanisms involved were investigated. Fresh‐cut ‘ H ami’ melon fruit fumigated with gas ClO 2 in sealed container for 12 h and then stored at 5 °C with 95% relative humidity ( RH ) for 19 days. Results showed that fruit treated with ClO 2 resulted in lower rates of the total respiration, alternative pathway respiration, cytochrome pathway respiration and ethylene production. Furthermore, the expressions of ethylene biosynthesis‐related genes, including Cm ACS 2 , Cm ACO 1 and Cm ACO 3 were reduced by ClO 2 treatment. Taken together, it is suggested that ClO 2 treatment might be an effective way to delay ripening of fresh‐cut ‘ H ami’ melon, partially due to the reduced respiration and ethylene biosynthesis.