To tackle the perennial problem of mouldy blueberries, researchers have discovered a natural solution within sunflower extract, revealing promising prospects for the food industry
While sunflowers are primarily valued for their seeds and oil, their often-overlooked flower stems, known as receptacles, are emerging as a valuable resource.
Sunflower extract has remarkable resistance
These controls display remarkable resistance to various plant diseases, prompting researchers to investigate their potential as a source of natural protective compounds against fruit pathogens.
A breakthrough in the fight against gray mold
Scientists utilised methanol and ethyl acetate to extract compounds from sunflower stems, with a particular focus on diterpenoids, known for their biological activity.
The research unveiled the existence of 17 diterpenoids, including four previously undiscovered compounds. Most significantly, these compounds demonstrated substantial efficacy in combatting grey mould.
Halting mould in its tracks
Among the 17 compounds, four stood out, including two novel ones, as they disrupted the plasma membrane of the mould, causing cellular leakage and inhibiting biofilm formation.
Subsequent testing involving a brief application of the receptacle extracts on blueberries followed by exposure to mould spores revealed that nearly half of the berries remained mould-free over six days.
A natural defense for postharvest preservation
This breakthrough suggests that sunflower stem extracts could become a potent natural biocontrol agent for safeguarding fruit against postharvest diseases.
By harnessing the protective qualities of these compounds, the food industry may substantially reduce economic losses and food waste associated with mouldy blueberries.
The researchers express their gratitude for the support received from the High-level Talent Promotion and Training Project of Kunming, the Project of Yunnan Characteristic Plant Screening and R&D Service CXO Platform, and the Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Yunnan Province in their pursuit of this innovative solution.
