Abstract

In this study, an active coating solution based on citrus pectin loaded with Zanthoxylum Bungeanum essential oil nanoemulsions (NC) was developed and combined with electron beam generated X-ray (EBGX) technology to investigate the changes of this treatment on the post-harvest storage quality of Agaricus bisporus when stored at 15°C for 15 days. The results demonstrated that the application of EBGX in conjunction with NC (EBGX-NC) was effective in preserving the post-harvest appearance quality of A. bisporus , as compared to the CK group. A. bisporus treated with EBGX-NC exhibited a minimum respiration rate (6.9 mg kg -1 h -1 ) and browning index (26.3),as well as a maximum firmness (9.4 N) at 15 d. Moreover, the number of Pseudomonas spp. on A. bisporus were prominently decreased by 52.5% in EBGX-NC when comparied to CK group on day 0. Concurrently, the EBGX-NC treatment proved efficacious in maintaining the total phenolic content, free radical scavenging activity, and enzymatic activity of mushrooms. The present study demonstrated the efficacy of EGBX-NC treatment on A. bisporus , extending its shelf-life. These findings may offer a scientific basis for enhancing the postharvest quality of other mushrooms.