Transcriptome sequencing analysis of the effects of 1-MCP and ethephon treatments on the storage quality of Pleurotus pulmonarius

Pleurotus pulmonarius has gained a lot of popularity among consumers due to its exquisite flavor and several nutritional benefits. However, P. pulmonarius fruiting bodies are susceptible to deterioration in quality following harvest. To investigate the impact of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and ethephon treatments on P. pulmonarius quality degradation, its antioxidant and sensory quality indices were assessed following treatment with 0.75 mu L/L 1-MCP and 0.05 % ethephon. Transcriptomic sequencing was performed on P. pulmonarius at different treatment time points. Based on the findings, 1-MCP treatment resulted in the maintenance of high firmness levels, increased glutathione content, and superoxide dismutase activity. At the same time, it lowered membrane permeability, slowed the rate of weight loss, reduced the levels of malondialdehyde, boosted antioxidant capacity, and resulted in improved storage quality. On the other hand, the ethephon treatment hastened the browning of P. pulmonarius by raising ethylene release, polyphenol oxidase activity, and b* value. . Based on the transcriptome analysis, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) on the 5th day was much higher than that on the 1st and 9th day of storage. Overall, 5422 DEGs were significantly enriched in the different treatment groups. Moreover, 62 DEGs exhibited significant differences between each treatment group and were mainly enriched in the pathways of 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and biosynthesis of nucleotide sugars, which were closely related to the storage quality of P. pulmonarius. . This study provides a theoretical basis for using 1-MCP for the storage and preservation of P. pulmonarius using 1-MCP, which has significant theoretical and practical implications.