X-rays irradiation maintains redox homeostasis and regulates energy metabolism of fresh figs (Ficus carica L. Siluhongyu)

[Display omitted] •3.0 kGy X-rays delayed color deterioration and maintained redox homeostasis.•3.0 kGy X-rays activated energy metabolism-related enzymes in figs.•3.0 kGy X-rays maintained the mitochondria membrane integrity of fig tissue.•3.0 kGy X-rays promoted NADK activity and reduced NADH accumulation. In this study, figs were irradiated with X-rays doses of 1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 kGy and stored at 4 °C for 20 d to evaluate effects of X-ray on redox homeostasis and energy metabolism in figs. Non-irradiated figs were recorded as control group. Results indicated that 3.0 kGy X-rays delayed fig color discoloration by inhibiting the ΔE* values. The electrolyte leakage, MDA and O2–· levels of figs were significantly alleviated. Energy metabolism assay revealed that 3.0 kGy X-rays could significantly maintain higher activities of H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, SDH, CCO, G6PDH and 6PGDH of figs. 3.0 kGy X-rays also retained mitochondria membrane integrity of figs. Furthermore, 3.0 kGy X-rays resulted in 26.09 % higher NADK activity and 16.30 % lower NADH content than the control. The study proves that X-ray irradiation can be used as figs preservation means to maintain redox homeostasis and regulate energy metabolism, thus lengthening the shelf life of figs.