The Mechanism of Electrolyzed Functional Water Combined with MA on Postharvest Physiology and Lignification of the Chinese Thorny Bamboo Shoot

This research explored the impact of combining electrolyzed functional water (EFW) with modified atmosphere (MA) storage on postharvest ripening, aging, and lignin accumulation in Chinese thorny bamboo shoots. The effects of EFW combined with MA treatment on texture hardness, lignin content, and reactive oxygen metabolism were evaluated. The findings indicated that the EFW + MA treatment was superior in postponing weight reduction, minimizing the increase in shoot hardness and lignin build-up, avoiding epidermal browning, and successfully maintaining elevated activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), thus reducing oxidative stress and extending storage time. Moreover, compared with the control group, the EFW/MA treatment markedly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, thereby improving cellular integrity. In addition, KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that PAL, POD, and PPO, along with their corresponding gene expression levels, were significantly up- and down-regulated. The findings suggest that combining EFW and MA can effectively delay quality deterioration and inhibit lignification in bamboo, thereby preserving its freshness and nutritional value.