Abstract: The effect of 2,4-epibrassionolide (EBR) treatment on postharvest quality and antioxidant activity in strawberry fruit (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv. Benihoppe) was investigated. The results showed that EBR treatment at 5.0 μmol/L had the most significant inhibitory effect on fruit decay during the storage period (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, EBR treatment inhibited the decrease of fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) and vitamin C content, and maintained high levels of total phenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids during storage. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in strawberry fruit during storage were also induced by EBR, while lower content of H2O2 was observed in treated fruit compared to control fruit (P < 0.05). These results suggested that EBR improves the storability and quality of strawberry fruit during storage, which may be related to the maintenance of higher antioxidant activity.

Key words: strawberry fruit, 2,4-epibrassionolide, postharvest quality, antioxidant activity