Abstract: In this study, the anabolic and catabolic flux of ‘Indian Green’ apples were studied at different storage temperatures. Further, the storage temperature was optimized. The metabolic flux of the glycolytic pathway, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) cycle, sucrose synthesis pathway, and pentose phosphate pathway in different parts of the fruit were measured at storage temperatures of 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 ℃. The results showed that sucrose had a higher anabolic flux at 2 ℃, with values of 32, 42, 47, and 33.00 for the four parts from the outside to the inside. Similarly, lactate also had a higher metabolic flux at 2 ℃, with values of 1.87, 1.86, 1.86, and 1.86 for the four parts from the outside to the inside. At this temperature, lower catabolism and higher sucrose anabolism were observed. Accordingly, 2 ℃ was the best storage temperature for ‘Indian Green’ apples. In this study, based on the changes in metabolic flux between various parts of ‘Indian Green’ apples at different storage temperatures, a quantitative model could be established to evaluate lactate and sucrose flux, which will provide a novel method and a theoretical reference for future studies to extend the storage life of fruits.

Key words: ‘Indian Green’ apple; sucrose; lactate; metabolic flux