Methyl jasmonate inhibits postharvest sprouting and improves storage quality of radishes

Treatment of topped radishes (Raphanus sativus L., cv. Cherry Belie) with methyl jasmonate was effective in inhibiting postharvest sprouting of new leaves and growth of roots. Radishes were trimmed to 5-mm tops and dipped in various methyl jasmonate suspensions for 3 min. After storage at 15 degrees C for 7 days, the growth of new leaves were 26, 22, 7, 3 and 1 mm in 0, 10(-5), 10(-4), 10(-3), or 2 x 10(-3) M methyl jasmonate-treated radishes, respectively. The lengths of root growth were also reduced by methyl jasmonate, particularly at higher concentrations. These treatments also substantially prevented weight loss, possibly as a secondary effect from reducing the transpiration surface. In treatments where sprouting was inhibited, there was better retention of organic acids including malate, citrate, and succinate; and carbohydrates including fructose, glucose, and sucrose during storage compared to controls. Fumigation with methyl jasmonate vapor in enclosed containers was also effective in inhibiting the sprouting of leaves and root growth and in maintaining postharvest quality, but to a lesser extent than dipping treatments. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.