Application of aminobutyric acid and ectoine complex preparation in relieving cherry fruit cracking

Abstract

This invention discloses the application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, belonging to the field of fruit and vegetable cultivation and postharvest preservation technology. The application includes the following steps: (1) preparing a compound preparation of GABA and ectoine; the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine contains the following components: GABA, ectoine, chelating agent, buffer, and surfactant; (2) applying the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine to cherry plants. This invention addresses the two core pain points of the sweet cherry industry simultaneously from a physiological perspective by applying the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine before harvest. It not only significantly reduces the cherry fruit cracking rate by strengthening the fruit peel structure and regulating water metabolism, but also significantly improves the postharvest storage resistance of cherries by pre-activating the fruit's antioxidant and disease-resistant systems and improving the cuticle structure of the fruit peel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, belonging to the field of fruit and vegetable cultivation and postharvest preservation technology. Background Technology

[0002] Cherries, as a high-value fruit with significant economic benefits globally, are highly favored by consumers due to their vibrant color, rich flavor, and abundant nutrients. Market demand remains strong, making them a prominent and economically advantageous category in my country's fruit tree planting industry. However, their production faces two major challenges: first, pre-harvest cracking, especially during the fruit ripening period when rainfall or inadequate irrigation can cause the fruit skin to crack due to rapid water absorption and internal pressure, resulting in severe yield and marketability losses; second, rapid post-harvest aging and decay. The thin skin and high respiration rate of cherries make them highly susceptible to water loss, softening, browning, and pathogen infection at room temperature after harvest, resulting in a very short marketable period and limiting long-distance sales and market supply cycles.

[0003] Currently, the industry mainly relies on physical protection measures or single nutrient supplementation to control cherry fruit cracking. While physical protection can reduce the direct impact of rainwater on the fruit to some extent, it has problems such as large upfront equipment investment, cumbersome field operations, and increased labor costs. Moreover, it cannot fundamentally enhance the fruit's own crack resistance, and fruit cracking is still difficult to avoid when encountering sudden rainfall or fluctuations in soil moisture. Single nutrient supplementation only focuses on supplementing a certain structural element and fails to take into account the multi-dimensional needs of fruit water regulation, cell wall synthesis, and stress metabolism, resulting in unstable cracking control effects and difficulty in adapting to complex field environments.

[0004] Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an important signaling molecule and metabolite in plants, participating in the regulation of osmotic balance, enhancing cell wall synthesis, inducing the expression of disease resistance-related genes, and regulating postharvest fruit respiration metabolism. Ectoine is a highly efficient and biocompatible solute that can form a protective hydration shell inside and outside cells, stabilizing biomolecules and membrane structures, significantly improving cellular tolerance to stresses such as drought, salinity, and high temperature, and has been shown to have anti-aging protective effects in animal cells and some microorganisms.

[0005] Currently, the physiological functions and applications of GABA and ectoine have been studied separately in existing technologies. However, in the field of cherry production, there is no research on combining the two and applying them to cherry cultivation and solving problems such as pre-harvest fruit cracking. Therefore, developing a compound preparation of GABA and ectoine for application in cherry production is of great significance for promoting the high-quality development of the cherry industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine for the application of alleviating cherry fruit cracking, which can effectively alleviate cherry fruit cracking and improve the post-harvest storage resistance of cherry fruits.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: The application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine; (2) Apply the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine to cherry plants.

[0008] Furthermore, in step (1), the GABA and ectoine compound preparation comprises the following components: GABA, ectoine, chelating agent, buffer and surfactant.

[0009] Furthermore, the composition of the GABA and ectoine compound preparation is as follows: by weight / volume percentage (w / v), GABA 0.3-0.8%, ectoine 0.1-0.3%, chelating agent 0.03-0.08%, surfactant 0.003-0.008%, and buffer 0.25-0.35%.

[0010] Furthermore, in the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine, the concentration of GABA is 0.5% and the concentration of ectoine is 0.2% by weight / volume percentage (w / v).

[0011] Furthermore, the purity of the aminobutyric acid is ≥99%; the purity of ectoine is ≥98%.

[0012] Furthermore, the chelating agent is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); the buffer is composed of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate in a molar ratio of 1:1; and the surfactant is Tween-80.

[0013] Furthermore, the preparation method of the GABA and ectoine compound formulation includes the following steps: (1-1) Weigh out the following: Gamma-aminobutyric acid, Ectoin, Chelating agent, Buffer, and Surfactant; (1-2) Add the chelating agent to deionized water and stir until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add buffer to the chelating agent solution, stir to dissolve, and adjust the pH to 6.5-7.5 to obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence and stir until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add the surfactant to mixed solution 2 and stir until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Then dilute with deionized water and stir until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine.

[0014] Furthermore, the stirring speed in steps (1-2) is 200-300 r / min; in step (1-3), the stirring speed is 250-350 r / min; in step (1-4), the stirring speed is 300-400 r / min; in step (1-5), the stirring speed is 350-450 r / min; and in step (1-6), the stirring speed is 200-250 r / min, with a stirring time of 15-20 min. Different stirring speeds are set based on the solubility characteristics of the materials, the functions of the components, and the mixing requirements of each step to ensure that each component is fully dissolved and uniformly dispersed, avoiding excessively high local concentrations or system instability, and improving the uniformity, stability, and application effect of the compound formulation.

[0015] Furthermore, in step (2), the application method is: spraying or / and drenching the cherry trees.

[0016] Furthermore, the spraying treatment method is as follows: 25-30 days before cherry harvest and 10-15 days before harvest, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine to a final GABA concentration of 60-100 ppm, and then spray the cherry tree canopy evenly with a mist-like spray. 10-15 days before harvest is the cherry ripening period, and 25-30 days before harvest is the early stage of the second rapid expansion period of the cherry fruit. Spraying during these periods precisely covers the high-incidence period of cherry fruit cracking. At this time, the protective film formed by ectoine can directly resist changes in external moisture, while GABA simultaneously regulates the internal moisture and nutrient balance of the fruit, strengthens the peel structure, and achieves crack prevention.

[0017] Furthermore, the spraying treatment is performed twice, with an interval of 10-20 days between each application; the specific time for spraying is in the evening. In the evening, the ambient temperature drops below 25℃, the light intensity is weak, and the water evaporation rate is low, which can prolong the adhesion time of the compound preparation on the surface of the fruit and leaves, improve the absorption efficiency of GABA and ectoine, and at the same time avoid the reduction in preparation activity or plant epidermal burns caused by high temperatures and strong sunlight at midday.

[0018] Furthermore, the root irrigation treatment method is as follows: Before the cherry blossom season in spring and after the fruit hardening stage, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine 40-60 times, apply it in a circular trench below the drip line of the tree canopy, and irrigate each mature tree with 15-25L of diluted solution, followed by covering with soil. The spring blossom season is a critical stage for cherry trees to recover vitality, develop flower organs, and grow new shoots. Root irrigation at this time can promote root development, improve the absorption efficiency and steady supply capacity of water and nutrients (especially elements related to fruit peel strength such as calcium and potassium), and lay the foundation for the healthy development of subsequent fruits. The fruit hardening stage is the turning point for cherry fruits to transition from a slow growth period to a second rapid expansion period. The pulp cells begin to absorb water and expand rapidly, and the internal pressure on the peel increases rapidly. This is the most sensitive period for fruit cracking. Root irrigation at this time can enhance the root system's ability to regulate water absorption in a rapidly changing environment, promote the thickening of the peel cell walls, enhance its toughness and elasticity, and effectively alleviate the occurrence of fruit cracking.

[0019] The principle of this invention is as follows: Cherry fruit cracking is essentially caused by an imbalance of water and nutrients during fruit development, asynchronous growth of the peel and pulp, and environmental stress leading to cell structure damage. During the cherry fruit enlargement period, a sudden increase in water content causes the pulp cells to rapidly absorb water and swell, while the peel, lacking sufficient toughness or with a fragile cell wall structure, cannot withstand the turgor pressure synchronously, ultimately leading to peel cracking. Simultaneously, environmental stresses such as low temperature and drought further weaken the peel's resistance, exacerbating the risk of cracking. This invention, based on the synergistic physiological regulatory mechanism of GABA and ectoine, addresses the cherry fruit cracking problem at its root through a triple synergistic mechanism of "osmotic pressure regulation + structural strengthening + stress resistance protection."

[0020] First, GABA can activate aquaporins and ion transporters on the cell membrane of fruit cells, regulating the rate at which water enters the pulp cells. Simultaneously, it regulates intracellular K+. +The isotonic regulator maintains the osmotic pressure balance inside and outside the fruit, preventing excessive water from causing rapid expansion and rupture of the pulp. Ectoin binds to the phospholipid bilayer of the fruit cell membrane through hydrogen bonds, enhancing the fluidity and stability of the cell membrane. Simultaneously, it forms an osmotic pressure buffer system within the cell, mitigating drastic fluctuations in intracellular osmotic pressure caused by sudden changes in water content, thus preventing pulp cells from rupturing due to excessive water absorption. Secondly, GABA significantly promotes the absorption and transport of key elements such as calcium, potassium, and boron by cherry roots to the fruit. Calcium is a core component of calcium pectate in the cell wall, enhancing the hardness and tensile strength of the peel cell wall. Potassium regulates the turgor pressure rhythm of fruit cells, preventing disordered and rapid expansion of pulp cells, while also promoting the synthesis of cellulose and hemicellulose in the cell wall, improving peel toughness. Boron promotes pectin synthesis and cross-linking, reducing cell wall loosening and enhancing the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the peel. Ectoin can stabilize the spatial conformation of enzymes, protect the activity of enzymes related to the synthesis of pericarp cell walls, ensure the continuous synthesis of pericarp cell walls during fruit expansion, maintain pericarp thickness and toughness, and enable it to adapt to the expansion rate of the pulp, thus avoiding fruit cracking caused by rapid pulp growth and slow pericarp growth. Finally, GABA can regulate the synthesis of abscisic acid in the plant, enhance the fruit's adaptability to water changes, and reduce physiological stress responses caused by sudden water changes. Ectoin can form a breathable and moisturizing protective film on the surface of pericarp cells, reducing excessive water evaporation during drought and preventing rapid water penetration into the pericarp during rainfall, thus reducing the risk of fruit cracking from an external protective perspective. GABA and ectoin can synergistically regulate the homeostasis of fruit water and osmotic pressure, strengthen pericarp structure and cell wall toughness, improve pericarp load-bearing capacity, prevent excessive pulp expansion, and avoid fruit cracking stress caused by water imbalance between pulp and pericarp. Simultaneously, they enhance plant resistance and alleviate the inducing effect of environmental stress on fruit cracking.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: (1) This invention addresses the two core pain points of the sweet cherry industry simultaneously from the physiological source by applying a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine before harvest. It not only significantly reduces the cherry cracking rate by strengthening the fruit peel structure and regulating water metabolism, but also significantly improves the post-harvest storage resistance of the fruit by pre-activating the fruit's antioxidant and disease-resistant systems and improving the cuticle structure of the fruit peel.

[0022] (2) The core active ingredients selected in this invention are bio-fermentation-derived compatible substances that are plant-friendly and environmentally friendly, with no risk of harmful chemical residues, and are in line with the production orientation of green food and organic agriculture.

[0023] (3) The foliar spraying and root irrigation method adopted in this invention is in line with the existing orchard agricultural operation process and does not require complicated equipment or high costs. By applying it precisely at the critical time, it effectively solves the direct yield loss caused by fruit cracking and the loss of added value caused by post-harvest rot with low input. The overall input-output ratio is high, which is easy for producers to accept and promote on a large scale. It is of great significance to improve the overall economic benefits of the cherry industry. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Example 1 The application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking includes the following steps: (1) The preparation of a compound formulation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine includes the following steps: (1-1) Weigh out 5.0 g of aminobutyric acid, 2.0 g of ectoine, 0.5 g of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1.36 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.74 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, and 0.05 g of Tween-80; (1-2) Add EDTA to 200 mL of deionized water and stir at 250 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate to the chelating agent solution, stir at 300 r / min until dissolved, adjust pH to 7.0, and obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence, and stir at 350 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add Tween-80 to mixed solution 2 and stir at 400 r / min for 8 min until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Add deionized water to a final volume of 1000 mL, and stir at a stirring speed of 220 r / min for 18 min until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine. (2) 25 days and 15 days before the cherry harvest, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and Ectoin to a final concentration of 80 ppm of GABA and spray it evenly on the cherry tree canopy in the evening. The spraying treatment is done twice, with an interval of 10 days between each treatment.

[0025] Example 2 The application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine; (1-1) Weigh out 3.0 g of GABA, 2.0 g of ectoine, 0.5 g of EDTA, 1.36 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.74 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, 0.05 g of Tween-80 and deionized water; (1-2) Add EDTA to 200 mL of deionized water and stir at 250 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate to the chelating agent solution, stir at 300 r / min until dissolved, adjust pH to 6.5 to obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence, and stir at 350 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add Tween-80 to mixed solution 2 and stir at 400 r / min for 8 min until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Add deionized water to a final volume of 1000 mL, and stir at a stirring speed of 220 r / min for 18 min until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine. (2) On the evening of 30 days and 10 days before the cherry harvest, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and Ectoin to a final concentration of 60 ppm of GABA and spray it evenly on the cherry tree canopy in a mist. The spraying treatment is done twice, with an interval of 20 days between each treatment.

[0026] Example 3 The application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine; (1-1) Weigh out 8.0 g of aminobutyric acid, 2.0 g of ectoine, 0.5 g of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1.36 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.74 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, 0.05 g of Tween-80 and deionized water; (1-2) Add EDTA to 200 mL of deionized water and stir at 250 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate to the chelating agent solution, stir at 300 r / min until dissolved, adjust pH to 7.5 to obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence, and stir at 350 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add Tween-80 to mixed solution 2 and stir at 400 r / min for 8 min until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Add deionized water to a final volume of 1000 mL, and stir at a stirring speed of 220 r / min for 18 min until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine. (2) 25 days and 11 days before the cherry harvest, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and Ectoin to a final concentration of 100 ppm of GABA and spray it evenly on the cherry tree canopy in the evening. The spraying treatment is carried out twice, with an interval of 14 days between each treatment.

[0027] Example 4 The application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine; (1-1) Weigh out 5.0 g of GABA, 2.0 g of ectoine, 0.5 g of EDTA, 1.36 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.74 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, 0.05 g of Tween-80 and deionized water; (1-2) Add EDTA to 200 mL of deionized water and stir at 250 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate to the chelating agent solution, stir at 300 r / min until dissolved, and adjust the pH to 7.0 with dilute hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide solution to obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence, and stir at 350 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add Tween-80 to mixed solution 2 and stir at 400 r / min for 8 min until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Add deionized water to a final volume of 1000 mL, and stir at a stirring speed of 220 r / min for 18 min until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine. (2) Before the flowering period in spring and after the fruit hardening period, dilute the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine 60 times, apply it in a ring trench under the drip line of the tree canopy, and irrigate each mature tree with 25L of diluted solution, and then cover it with soil.

[0028] Example 5 The application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine; (1-1) Weigh out 8.0 g of aminobutyric acid, 2.0 g of ectoine, 0.5 g of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1.36 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, 1.74 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, 0.05 g of Tween-80 and deionized water; (1-2) Add EDTA to 200 mL of deionized water and stir at 250 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate to the chelating agent solution, stir at 300 r / min until dissolved, adjust pH to 7.5 to obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence, and stir at 350 r / min until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add Tween-80 to mixed solution 2 and stir at 400 r / min for 8 min until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Add deionized water to a final volume of 1000 mL, and stir at a stirring speed of 220 r / min for 18 min until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine. (2) Before the flowering period in spring and after the fruit hardening period, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and Ectoin 60 times, apply it in a ring trench under the drip line of the tree canopy, and irrigate each mature tree with 20L of diluted solution, and then cover it with soil; and in the evening 25 days before the cherry fruit harvest and 15 days before the harvest, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and Ectoin to the final concentration of GABA of 100ppm, and spray it evenly on the cherry tree canopy in a mist-like manner. The number of spraying treatments is 2, with an interval of 10 days between each treatment.

[0029] Comparative Example 1 The steps are the same as in Example 1, except that in steps (1-4), GABA is not added, resulting in an ectoine compound preparation.

[0030] Comparative Example 2 The steps are the same as in Example 1, except that ectoine is not added in steps (1-4) to obtain a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid.

[0031] Experiment Example 1: Effects of Spraying Treatment on Fruit Cracking and Quality of Early Sweet Cherries (1) Experimental subjects: The experiment was conducted in the Yantai cherry production area of ​​Shandong Province. The variety was 'Meizao', which is prone to fruit cracking, and the trees were 8 years old.

[0032] (2) Experimental design: Treatment group (T): sprayed with the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine from Example 1; Control group (CK): sprayed with an equal volume of water. Five trees were treated in each group, and the treatment was repeated four times.

[0033] (3) Application method: In the treatment group, at the early stage of the second fruit expansion (25 days before harvest), the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine in Example 1 was diluted to a final concentration of GABA of 70 ppm and sprayed evenly on the whole tree for the first time. The second foliar spraying was carried out 10 days later (during the color change period). Both sprayings were carried out in the evening.

[0034] (4) Results determination: 100 fruits were randomly picked from each tree at maturity, the number of cracked fruits was counted, the cracking rate was calculated, and 30 fruits without cracks were selected for quality determination. The fruits were then stored at a constant temperature of 0℃, and the good fruit rate, firmness retention rate, titratable acid retention rate, and mold index were determined on the 0th, 21st, and 28th days of storage. The results are listed in Table 2-3.

[0035] The good fruit rate (%) = (number of good fruits / number of samples) * 100%. The criteria for judging good fruits are: no rot, no mold, no softening of the flesh, no browning of the peel, and no oozing of juice. Hardness retention rate (%) = (hardness value after refrigeration / initial hardness value on day 0) * 100%; Titratable acid retention rate (%) = (Titratable acid content after refrigeration / Initial titratable acid content on day 0) * 100%; The mold index is divided into 0-5 levels, with higher values ​​indicating more severe mold. The mold index levels are shown in Table 1.

[0036] Table 1. Classification of Mold Index Levels Table 2. Effects of compound preparation treatment on pre-harvest fruit cracking and basic fruit quality of early-maturing sweet cherries. Note: P-value < 0.05 indicates a significant difference, and P-value < 0.01 indicates a highly significant difference, indicating that the treatment effect is statistically significant.

[0037] Table 3. Quality changes during postharvest cold storage (0℃) Table 2 shows that compared with the control group, the treated group had a lower fruit cracking rate, and higher single fruit weight, solid content, and fruit firmness, effectively reducing the cracking rate and improving fruit quality. Table 3 shows that after 28 days of storage at 0℃ post-harvest, the treated group still had a significantly higher rate of good fruit than the control group, better retention of fruit firmness and flavor compounds, and less mold, effectively improving post-harvest storage tolerance and disease resistance. This indicates that the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine of this invention can significantly reduce the cherry cracking rate and improve the quality of pre-harvest cherry fruit and post-harvest storage tolerance.

[0038] Experiment Example 2: Effects of spraying treatment on the physiological functions of Summit cherry trees and the activity of defense enzymes in the fruit. (1) Test subjects: The test was conducted in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, and the variety was 'Summit'.

[0039] (2) Experimental design: Treatment group (T): sprayed with the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine from Example 1; Control group (CK): sprayed with an equal volume of water. Five trees were treated in each group, and the treatment was repeated four times.

[0040] (3) The application method is the same as in Experiment 1.

[0041] (4) Results determination: On the 7th day after the second foliar spray (i.e., about 8 days before harvest), samples were taken to measure the physiological indicators of leaves and fruit peels. The results are listed in Table 4.

[0042] Table 4. Physiological state of trees and fruits before harvest Table 4 shows that, compared with the control group, the treated cherry trees exhibited significantly increased proline content, superoxide dismutase activity, cuticle thickness, cell wall cellulose and polyphenol content, and β-1,3-glucanase activity. This indicates that the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine of this invention can significantly enhance the physiological basis of tree and fruit resistance, improve leaf osmotic regulation and antioxidant capacity, and substantially strengthen the pericarp structure (cuticle and cell wall). Simultaneously, the activities of substances (polyphenols) and enzymes related to disease resistance and antioxidant properties in the pericarp were significantly increased. This provides direct physiological and biochemical evidence for reducing cherry fruit cracking rate and extending storage life.

[0043] Experiment Example 3: Effects of root irrigation treatment on fruit cracking and quality of Early Red Cherry (1) Experimental subjects: The experiment was conducted in the Yantai cherry production area of ​​Shandong Province. The variety was 'Meizao', which is prone to fruit cracking, and the trees were 8 years old.

[0044] (2) Experimental design: Treatment group (T): sprayed with the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine from Example 1; Control group (CK): sprayed with an equal volume of water. Five trees were treated in each group, and the treatment was repeated four times.

[0045] (3) Application method: Before the flowering period in spring and after the fruit hardening period, dilute the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine 50 times, apply it in a ring trench under the drip line of the tree canopy, and irrigate each mature tree with 15-25L of diluted solution, and then cover with soil.

[0046] (4) Results determination: 100 fruits were randomly picked from each tree at maturity, the number of cracked fruits was counted, the cracking rate was calculated, and 30 fruits without cracks were selected to determine their quality. The results are listed in Table 5-6.

[0047] Among them, the hardness / acidity retention rate is relative to the initial value on the day of harvest; the mold index is divided into 0-5 levels, with higher values ​​indicating more severe mold.

[0048] Table 5. Effects of compound preparation treatment on pre-harvest fruit cracking and basic fruit quality of early-maturing sweet cherries. Note: P-value < 0.05 indicates a significant difference, and P-value < 0.01 indicates a highly significant difference, indicating that the treatment effect is statistically significant.

[0049] Table 6. Quality changes during postharvest cold storage (0℃) Table 5 shows that, compared with the control group, root irrigation treatment with the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine effectively reduced the fruit cracking rate of early-ripening cherries, increased fruit weight and soluble solids content, and enhanced fruit firmness. This indicates that the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine not only effectively alleviates cherry cracking but also synergistically improves the commercial appearance and internal flavor of cherry fruits, resulting in a significant improvement in overall quality. Table 6 shows that, compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significantly higher rates of good fruit, firmness, and acidity retention, and a significantly lower mold index. This indicates that cherries treated with the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine exhibit stronger storage resistance, disease resistance, and preservation ability under 0℃ refrigeration conditions, maintaining the freshness, taste, and flavor of the fruit for a longer period.

[0050] In summary, treatment with the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine of this invention can significantly solve the problem of cherry fruit cracking and simultaneously improve its yield, quality and storage performance.

[0051] Experiment Example 4 (1) Experimental subjects: The experiment was conducted in the Yantai cherry production area of ​​Shandong Province. The variety was 'Meizao', which is prone to fruit cracking, and the trees were 8 years old.

[0052] (2) Experimental design: Treatment Group 1: Spray with the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine from Example 1; Treatment group 2: Spray with ectoine compound preparation of control group 1; Treatment group 3: Spray with comparative example 2-aminobutyric acid compound preparation; Control group: sprayed with an equal amount of water. Five trees were treated in each group, and the treatment was repeated four times.

[0053] (3) The application method was the same as in Experiment 1; the concentration of the sprayed solution in the treatment group was 70 ppm.

[0054] (4) Results determination: 100 fruits were randomly picked from each tree at maturity, the number of cracked fruits was counted, the cracking rate was calculated, and 30 fruits without cracks were selected to determine their quality. The results are listed in Table 7-8.

[0055] Table 7. Effects of compound preparation treatment on pre-harvest fruit cracking and basic fruit quality of early-maturing sweet cherry. Note: P-value < 0.05 indicates a significant difference, and P-value < 0.01 indicates a highly significant difference, indicating that the treatment effect is statistically significant.

[0056] Table 8. Quality changes during postharvest cold storage (0℃) Table 7 shows that compared with the control group, the cracking rate of treatment groups 2 and 3 was reduced, and the fruit quality was improved, indicating that both GABA and ectoine have anti-cracking effects when used alone. Treatment group 1 had the lowest cracking rate, significantly lower than other groups, and its fruit quality was significantly better than other groups, indicating that the combined GABA and ectoine preparation was the most effective in reducing cracking rate and improving fruit quality, and that GABA and ectoine had a synergistic effect. Table 8 shows that compared with the control group, treatment groups 2 and 3 had a high rate of good fruit, high firmness and flavor retention, and a low mold index, indicating that both GABA and ectoine can improve the storage quality of cherries when used alone. Compared with treatment groups 2-3, treatment group 1 had a high rate of good fruit, significantly improved firmness and flavor retention, and a significantly lower mold index, indicating that the combined GABA and ectoine preparation can effectively delay post-harvest quality deterioration of cherries and extend their shelf life.

Claims

1. An application of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: (1) Preparation of a compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine; (2) Apply the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine to cherry plants.

2. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 2 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: In step (1), the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine contains the following components: aminobutyric acid, ectoine, chelating agent, buffer and surfactant.

3. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 3 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: The composition of the GABA and ectoine compound preparation is as follows: by weight / volume percentage (w / v), GABA 0.3-0.8%, ectoine 0.1-0.3%, chelating agent 0.03-0.08%, surfactant 0.003-0.008%, and buffer 0.25-0.35%.

4. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 4 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: The preparation method of the GABA and ectoine compound formulation includes the following steps: (1-1) Weigh out the following: Gamma-aminobutyric acid, ectoine, chelating agent, buffer, and surfactant; (1-2) Add the chelating agent to deionized water and stir until completely dissolved to obtain a chelating agent solution; (1-3) Add buffer to the chelating agent solution, stir to dissolve, and adjust the pH to 6.5-7.5 to obtain mixed solution 1; (1-4) Add GABA and ectoine to mixed solution 1 in sequence and stir until completely dissolved to obtain mixed solution 2; (1-5) Slowly add the surfactant to mixed solution 2 and stir until the mixture is homogeneous; (1-6) Then dilute with deionized water and stir until the mixture is homogeneous to obtain the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine.

5. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 1 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: In step (2), the application method is: spraying or / and drenching the cherry trees.

6. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 5 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: The spraying treatment method is as follows: 25-30 days before cherry fruit harvest and 10-15 days before harvest, dilute the compound preparation of GABA and ectoine to a final concentration of GABA of 60-100 ppm, and spray it evenly on the cherry tree canopy as a mist.

7. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 6 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: The spraying treatment is performed twice, with an interval of 10-20 days between each application.

8. The application of the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine according to claim 5 in alleviating cherry fruit cracking, characterized in that: The method of root irrigation treatment is as follows: before the cherry blossom season in spring and after the fruit hardening period, dilute the compound preparation of aminobutyric acid and ectoine 40-60 times, apply it in a ring trench below the drip line of the tree canopy, and irrigate each mature tree with 15-25L of diluted solution, and then cover with soil.

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