Pre- and Post-Harvest Fruit Quality Maintenance and Improvement with Methyl Jasmonate

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University, Iran

2 Department of Horticultural Science and Engineering, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

10.22091/ijpb.2026.16922.1013

Abstract

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) as a phytohormone plays a pivotal role in regulating physiological responses and plant adaptation to environmental stresses. In recent years, the exogenous application of methyl jasmonate has received special attention as a sustainable and novel strategy in post-harvest management to improve fruit quality and shelf life. Methyl jasmonate enhances the antioxidant capacity of the cell by modulating jasmonate biosynthetic pathways and signaling transduction, and improves the sensory profile of the fruit by managing the metabolism of sugars, organic acids, and volatile compounds responsible for aroma. In the face of post-harvest pathogens, methyl jasmonate strengthens the fruit defense barrier by activating the host defense system, through the induction of secondary messengers such as ROS/NO and the restoration of protective metabolic pathways (such as phenylpropanoids). In addition, in the management of cold damage, this hormone plays a strategic role by maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and the stability of the cell wall during storage in cold storage. Scientific evidence supports that the integration of methyl jasmonate with other biological compounds creates an effective synergy in reducing microbial spoilage and maintaining tissue quality. Finally, the use of methyl jasmonate as a smart technology, while reducing post-harvest waste, has high potential in the agricultural supply chain and requires further applied research to optimize the dosage and application methods on an industrial scale.

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