Metabolomic, transcriptomic and physiological analysis reveal the effects and potential mechanisms of cold plasma treatment on resistance of wolfberry during storage

Employing cold plasma (CP) to extend fruit shelf-life garners attention. This study focuses on revealing the molecular response of wolfberry to CP treatment, investigating signal molecules, defense enzymes, transcriptomes, and metabolomes. CP treatment resulted in a 20.6 % reduction in wolfberry disease incidence (six days), suppressing lesion area growth. The CP-treated wolfberry displayed elevated levels of flavonoids, lignin, hormones, and defense-related enzymes. Multiple metabolites and genes were up-regulated in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and flavonoids in CP-treated wolfberry. Genes related to antioxidant activity and stress response were up-regulated. Highly expressed transcription factor families (MYB, WRKY, and AP2/ERF) underscored their importance in wolfberry's CP response. Short-term CP exposure activated reactive oxygen species signaling, elevated hormone levels, and enhanced defense pathway expression and metabolism, fortifying the wolfberry's resistance to pathogens during storage. This research provides scientific insights supporting CP treatment to enhance the resistance and quality of stored agricultural products.