Molecular hydrogen as a beneficial postharvest treatment

Hancock, John T.; LeBaron, Tyler W.; May, Jennifer; Thomas, Adam; Zulfiqar, Faisal; Russell, Grace

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been shown to have significant effects in plants, especially during stress responses. H2 treatment can be used as a gas or as an H2-enriched solution, often termed hydrogen-rich water (HRW). Cellular effects of H2 are often through the modulation of antioxidants and therefore there is an effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. Although the direct interactions of H2 with cellular components is somewhat elusive, many studies see changes in cellular antioxidant capacity, and there are reports that H2 may interact with hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite, although this has been disputed. Of relevance is that H2 treatment of fruit and flowers has been shown to enhance postharvest qualities of plant tissues. There is reduced senescence and better crop quality. Here data in the literature is reviewed, showing that this inexpensive and relatively safe treatment has potential for postharvest use in the future.

• Online Publication Date: Nov 1, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 10, 2023
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Pages: 303-318
• Book Title: Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulfur Species in Post-Harvest Physiology of Horticultural Crops
• Chapter Number: 13
• ISBN: 9780323917988
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91798-8.00011-4
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11419624
• Publisher URL: https://shop.elsevier.com/books/oxygen-nitrogen-and-sulfur-species-in-post-harvest-physiology-of-horticultural-crops/ziogas/978-0-323-91798-8
• Additional Information: Book editors are:; Vasileios Ziogas and Francisco J. Corpas