Postharvest loss caused by a range of pathogens necessitates exploring novel antifungal compounds that are safe and efficient in managing the pathogens. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of ethyl ferulate (EF) and explored its mechanisms of action against , , , , , and evaluated its potential to inhibit postharvest decay. The results demonstrated that EF exerts potent antifungal activity against a wide board of postharvest pathogens. Results also revealed that its antifungal mechanism is multifaceted: EF may be involved in binding to and disturbing the integrity of the fungal plasma membrane, causing leakage of intracellular content and losing normal morphology and ultrastructure. EF also induced oxidative stress in the pathogen, causing membrane lipid peroxidation and malondialdehyde accumulation. EF inhibited the critical gene expression of the pathogen, affecting its metabolic regulation, antioxidant metabolism, and cell wall degrading enzymes. EF exhibited antifungal inhibitory activity when applied directly into peel wounds or after incorporation with chitosan coating. Due to its wide board and efficient antifungal activity, EF has the potential to provide a promising alternative to manage postharvest decay.

中文翻译：

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阿魏酸乙酯对采后病原体的抗真菌功效和机制

由一系列病原体引起的采后损失需要探索安全有效地控制病原体的新型抗真菌化合物。本研究评估了阿魏酸乙酯 (EF) 的抗真菌活性，并探讨了其针对 、 、 、 、 的作用机制，并评估了其抑制采后腐烂的潜力。结果表明，EF 对多种采后病原体具有有效的抗真菌活性。研究结果还揭示其抗真菌机制是多方面的：EF可能参与与真菌质膜的结合并扰乱其完整性，导致细胞内内容物渗漏，失去正常的形态和超微结构。 EF还会诱导病原体氧化应激，导致膜脂过氧化和丙二醛积累。 EF抑制病原体的关键基因表达，影响其代谢调节、抗氧化代谢和细胞壁降解酶。当直接应用于果皮伤口或与壳聚糖涂层混合后，EF 表现出抗真菌抑制活性。由于其广泛的范围和高效的抗真菌活性，EF 有潜力为管理采后腐烂提供有前途的替代方案。