Regulatory Role and Mechanisms of Reactive Oxygen Species in Grains During Post-Harvest Storage: The Vanguard Sentinel of Quality Deterioration
Yijia Zhang, Yao Li, Christos G. Athanassiou, Liping Guo, Siqi Zhao, Qiuhui Hu, Chao Ding, Qiang Liu
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as critical signaling molecules in cereals, orchestrating responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses by integrating multiple environmental stimuli and activating stress response networks. Monitoring ROS levels in grains is essential not only for assessing grain condition but also for evaluating grain quality and preservation methods. This review provides a comprehensive summary of ROS applications in food storage, covering their roles in synthesis, elimination, signaling pathways, and the regulation of physiological and biochemical processes. Experimental studies have shown that over a 60-day period of grain storage, ROS levels can increase by approximately 50%, leading to significant oxidative damage. Effective ROS management can mitigate this damage by enhancing the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), by 50–60%, and improving grain stress resistance. Additionally, ROS modulate postharvest physiological and biochemical processes by increasing total phenolic content by 15–20% and total flavonoid content by 20–25%, while interacting with biomolecules such as starch, DNA, lipids, and proteins, thus influencing storage quality. By exploring these mechanisms comprehensively, this review offers a theoretical framework for developing long-term food storage strategies, reducing storage losses, and ensuring food safety, while providing valuable insights for improving grain storage quality to meet the growing demand for high-quality food.