2-Nonanol enhances the resistance against Penicillium expansum in postharvest ‘Huangguan’ pear via coordinated phenylpropanoid and antioxidant pathways

Key Points

• Enhanced resistance against Penicillium expansum supports better postharvest quality preservation.
• Key evidence shows that 2-nonanol significantly increases antioxidant activity and phenylpropanoid accumulation.
• Analysis of phenolic compounds suggests coordinated phenylpropanoid and antioxidant pathways play vital roles in resistance.
• Findings indicate that 2-nonanol's effects may enable improved strategies for postharvest fruit management.