Abstract

Postharvest lignification and surface browning limit the shelf life and value of Lei bamboo ( Phyllostachys violascens ) shoots. This study systematically evaluated a novel combined preservation system integrating an edible coating (5 g L –1 glucomannan + 7.5 g L –1 l- cysteine + 2.5 g L –1 ascorbic acid), cold plasma (CP) treatment, and laser microporous membrane (LMF) packaging. Compared to untreated controls and other treatment groups (LMF and CP+LMF), the combined approach was more effective, reducing the lignin content by 29.6 % and total color difference (Δ E ) by 57.8 % after 45 days of storage. The combined treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity, with the catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities increasing 2.34- and 2.80-fold, respectively, while oxidative stress markers (superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde) decreased to 22 −48 % of control levels. Enzymes driving lignification and browning (cellulase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase, and polyphenol oxidase) were reduced by 42 −68 % compared to untreated controls. Reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed coordinated downregulation of 12 lignification-related genes, particularly PvC4H-1 , Pv4CL-1 , PvF5H-1 , PvPOD-13 , and PvLAC-2/4 ( r  > 0.98 vs . lignin content). These findings suggest that the effectiveness of the treatment stems from the concurrent modulation of multiple targets in the phenylpropanoid pathway and associated secondary metabolism. The protocol extended the shelf life of Lei bamboo shoots by 30 d while maintaining commercial quality, and provided an alternative method and fundamental insights for the postharvest preservation of other horticultural crops.