Molecular mechanisms of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in fruit development and maturation: An integrated perspective from reproductive biology to postharvest preservation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as pivotal signaling molecules that play a dual role in fruit development and maturation processes, serving as both essential regulators of physiological pathways and potential inducers of oxidative damage. Dynamic changes in ROS during fruit development are precisely orchestrated by a regulatory network consisting of plant hormones, metabolic pathways, transcription factors, functional genes, and epigenetic modifications. ROS signaling participates in gametophyte development, tapetum programmed cell death, pollen-pistil recognition, pollen tube growth, and stress resistance during fruit set initiation. During fruit development, maturation, and ripening, ROS mediate crucial processes including cell expansion, pigment biosynthesis, cell wall remodeling, epigenetic modifications, and hormonal crosstalk. Excessive ROS causes membrane and cell wall damage, accelerating senescence, softening, and flavor deterioration. Appropriate exogenous treatments enhance antioxidant capacity, reduce ROS accumulation, and maintain postharvest fruit quality and shelf life. This review presents novel insights into the dual functions of ROS during fruit development, identifies key unresolved questions and current limitations in the field, and proposes promising future research directions, and offers a theoretical basis for developing effective approaches to improve fruit production and postharvest quality.