Effects of exogenous salicylic acid on lignification and related enzymes activities of loquat during cold storage

The effects of exogenous salicylic acid(SA) on lignification of loquat(Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.cv.Jiefangzhong) fruits stored at 4℃ were studied. Results show that the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL), polyphenol oxidase(PPO), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase(CAD) and peroxidase(POD) are inhibited under the treatment of 1.0 g/L SA solution for 20 min. Consequently, the treatment inhibit the increase of lignin and reduce the fruit firmness. The results suggest that the SA treatment can inhibit lignification of loquat during cold storage.