CaCl2 alleviates water-soaking disorder by attenuating mitochondrial oxidative damage in fresh-cut cantaloupe.

Abstract

The effect of exogenous CaCl2 treatment on quality deterioration caused by water-soaking disorder in fresh-cut cantaloupe was investigated. Treatment with 1 % CaCl2 significantly reduced the water-soaking transparency rate by 46.5 %, lowered ROS accumulation by approximately 40.0 %, and preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure and function. Specifically, it decreased levels of O2.- and H2O2 while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD, APX, CAT, and POD, as well as ABTS radical scavenging capacity. Moreover, CaCl2 promoted the conversion of NAD(H) to NADP(H) by upregulating the activity and gene expression of PPP-related enzymes such as G6PDH, 6PGDH, PGI, NADK, NADP-ICDH, and NADP-ME. These findings support the use of CaCl2 as an industry-ready, cost-effective strategy to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe by 48 to 72 h, potentially reducing postharvest losses. Further studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effects and economic feasibility under commercial-scale conditions.