Exogenous ethanol extract of Artemisia argyi alleviates postharvest quality deterioration of cherry tomato by regulating antioxidant capacity and antifungal activity

Cherry tomatoes are highly susceptible to physiological decay, microbial contamination, and oxidative stress during storage, leading to significant economic losses and reduced nutritional value. This study identified Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata as the predominant pathogens responsible for fruit decay and the reduction of postharvest shelf life in cherry tomatoes through comprehensive analyses, including systematic pathogen isolation, purification, morphological identification, molecular identification, and pathogenicity assessment. We further extracted Artemisia argyi ethanol extract (AAEE), analyzed its chemical composition and evaluated its efficacy against tomato fruit rot pathogens. The results indicated that AAEE contained eupatilin, isochlorogenic acid isomers and jaceosidin, and had excellent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities. AAEE effectively suppresses the mycelial growth and spore germination of F. oxysporum and A. alternata by disrupting hyphal structure and increasing cell membrane permeability. Importantly, AAEE successfully mitigated postharvest decay in cherry tomatoes. Notably, 3 g/L AAEE significantly extended their shelf life by reducing the disease index, maintaining fruit firmness, and enhancing key fruit quality attributes, such as titratable acidity and Vitamin C. In conclusion, AAEE demonstrates dual properties as a potent pathogen inhibitor and antioxidant agent, thereby effectively prolonging the shelf life of cherry tomatoes. • Ethanol extract of Artemisia argyi (AAEE) contains eupatilin and isochlorogenic acid. • AAEE possessed higher antioxidant and antifungal activity. • AAEE significantly inhibited the F. oxysporum and A. alternata. • AAEE significantly improved the shelf life and quality of cherry tomatoes.