Biocontrol of Pear Postharvest Decay by Kombucha

Kombucha is sweetened, slightly alcoholic, and lightly effervescent tea drink. Its acidity inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Here, we studied effect of kombucha on post-harvest preservation of pear. The Hosui pears were soaked with the kombucha for 15 minutes, and in distilled water as the control, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline content, electric conductivity, weight loss rate and good fruit rate in pear were measured during storage at room temperature. The results showed that the kombucha could effectively prolong the storage time of pear fruit. The fruit quality of the treated group was 1.5 times higher than that of the control pear fruit when stored at room temperature for 18 days. The weight loss rate, MDA content and electric conductivity of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group during the whole storage period, indicating that kombucha can inhibit the transformation of polysaccharides such as starch and pectin, and delay the degradation of nutrients in the fruit, resulting in a decrease in weight loss rate, inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation, reducing MDA content, electric conductivity, maintaining cell membrane stability, delaying pear fruit senescence. Kombucha can inhibit the content of H2O2 and proline, increase the activity of POD and SOD increase the storage stability of fruits. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the physiological mechanism of post-harvest preservation of pear by kombucha. The use of kombucha can prolong the supply period of pear, increase economic benefits and expand the market of pear.   ********* In press - Online First. Article has been peer reviewed, accepted for publication and published online without pagination. It will receive pagination when the issue will be ready for publishing as a complete number (Volume 47, Issue 3, 2019). The article is searchable and citable by Digital Object Identifier (DOI). DOI link will become active after the article will be included in the complete issue. *********