White LED Light Suppresses Blue Mold
Blue mold, primarily caused by Penicillium expansum, is a major postharvest concern affecting apples and other fruits, resulting in substantial economic losses. Conventional chemical-based control methods raise environmental and health concerns, prompting the exploration of alternative solutions. Among these, visible light irradiation—particularly using white LEDs—has emerged as a promising, eco-friendly approach. This study investigates the antifungal efficacy of white LED light at different intensities and uncovers the biological mechanisms behind its suppressive effects on P. expansum using both in vitro and in vivo trials.
Suppression of P. expansum via White LED Light
Experimental results demonstrated that white LED light irradiation at 40 and 120 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ significantly inhibited the growth of Penicillium expansum in vitro. The suppression was more pronounced at the higher intensity, suggesting a dose-dependent response. These findings validate the use of white light in targeting fungal pathogens and offer a chemical-free alternative for managing postharvest diseases.
Membrane Integrity Disruption in Fungal Cells
One of the key mechanisms identified was the disruption of cell membrane integrity in P. expansum. LED exposure caused severe damage to fungal membranes, compromising their structural stability and cellular functions. This destabilization likely contributes to the impaired growth and pathogenicity observed in both lab and real-fruit conditions, pointing to membrane targeting as a central antifungal mechanism.
Transcriptomic Insights into Metabolic Disruption
Transcriptome profiling revealed that white LED irradiation alters the expression of genes involved in critical metabolic pathways, especially those regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These metabolic disruptions interfere with the fungus’s energy supply and biosynthesis, further weakening its ability to colonize and damage the host fruit. This evidence highlights the light-induced metabolic stress as a major factor in fungal inhibition.
Reduction of Fungal Virulence on Apple Fruits
In vivo trials using apple fruits showed that irradiation at 120 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ markedly reduced the pathogenicity of P. expansum. The infected fruits exhibited smaller lesion areas and retained better quality attributes, such as firmness and appearance, compared to control groups kept in the dark. This suggests that white LED light not only inhibits fungal infection but also helps preserve postharvest fruit quality.
Eco-Friendly Postharvest Strategy and Broader Implications
The tripartite inhibitory mechanism—suppression of energy supply, membrane destabilization, and reduced virulence factor secretion—makes white LED light an effective and sustainable tool in postharvest disease management. As an energy-efficient, non-chemical method, this approach aligns well with current sustainability goals in agriculture and food storage, offering new opportunities for wider implementation in smart preservation systems.
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