Application of methyl jasmonate to control disease of postharvest fruit and vegetables: A Meta-analysis

Postharvest diseases can result in substantial losses during storage and transportation of fruit and vegetables. Recently, the application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for controlling postharvest diseases has been extensively researched. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, this review reveals the capacity of MeJA to inhibit the development of postharvest fruit and vegetable diseases. The antifungal effect on pathogens occurs through mechanisms such as the elicitation of host defense, including activating pathogenesis-related protein and the phenylpropanoid pathway, regulating reactive oxygen species metabolism, ensuring energy supply and crosstalking with phytohormone signaling. However, challenges to MeJA use exist, include determining the optimal application parameters, minimizing potential negative effects, and establishing comprehensive usage guidelines for the application of MeJA in controlling postharvest diseases.