a b s t r a c t
The effects of brassinosteroids (BRs) against blue mould rot caused by Penicillium expansum and on senescence
of harvested jujube fruit were investigated. Brassinosteroids at a concentration of 5Meffectively
inhibited development of blue mould rot and enhanced the activities of defense-related enzymes, such
as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenoloxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. However, BRs
did not have direct antimicrobial activity against P. expansum in vitro. BRs significantly delayed fruit
senescence by reducing ethylene production and maintained fruit quality. It is suggested that the effects
of BRs on reducing decay caused by P. expansum may be associated with induction of disease resistance
in fruit and delay of senescence.
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