Components Identification of Durian Shell Water Extract and Its Inhibitory Effect against the Postharvest Pathogen <i>Penicillium expansum</i>

Durian shell waste represents an underutilized resource for postharvest preservatives. This study systematically characterized the components of durian shell water extract (DSWE) using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and evaluated its antifungal efficacy against <i>Penicillium expansum</i>. Our results demonstrated that DSWE induced fungal oxidative stress and membrane disruption, significantly suppressing <i>P. expansum</i> growth, pathogenicity, and patulin production <i>in vitro</i>. <i>In vivo</i> application of 4% DSWE enhanced apple resistance by activating antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and POD). Molecular docking revealed taxifolin, phloridzin, and puerarin in DSWE stably bound key fungal targets (VosA, Clg, PatE; binding energies: -7.9 to -7.0 kcal/mol), experimentally validated to inhibit fungal proliferation, pathogenicity, and patulin biosynthesis. The multitarget inhibitory effects of DSWE components effectively controlled blue mold decay in apples while demonstrating synergistic advantages over individual compounds. This study highlights the potential of converting durian shell waste into valuable products, contributing to sustainable postharvest practices and agricultural waste management.