Molecular mechanisms involved in the cold tolerance response and regulation of fruits and vegetables

Abstract Fresh fruits and vegetables are critical sources of essential nutrients and natural pigments, playing a significant role in human health. However, low-temperature stress represents a major abiotic factor influencing plant growth and development. Exposure to low temperatures during the growing phase can markedly diminish both fruit yield and quality. Additionally, postharvest handling, including transportation, retail, and storage, accelerates senescence and spoilage, resulting in considerable economic losses. Although cold storage effectively reduces respiration rates and prolongs shelf life, improper application can lead to chilling injury in cold-sensitive produce, further exacerbating commercial losses. Chilling injury impairs hormone balance, disrupts cellular membrane integrity, damages photosynthetic function, and alters enzyme activity. This review examines the mechanisms underlying chilling injury and cold resistance in produce. Focusing on recent advances in cold tolerance research, particularly using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system, it discusses the latest insights into chilling injury. Additionally, the physiological foundation of cold resistance and the role of plant hormones in this process are explored. The conclusion synthesizes identified research gaps, highlights enduring challenges, and proposes directions for future research.