Biosynthesis of Ascorbic Acid and Its Metabolism across Plant Growth Stages, Fruit Maturation, and Postharvest Physiology: A Review

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (AsA), generally known as vitamin C, is essential for horticulture crops to grow, develop, and maintain themselves after harvest. It is essential for plant health, fruit quality, and human nutrition because of its role in enzymatic processes, hormone production, and antioxidant activity. Important plant hormones, including auxins and gibberellins, which control the growth and development of fruit, are involved in its production. The maintenance of optimal AsA levels in horticultural crops can help ensure their nutritional value and quality for consumers. This is done by utilizing suitable postharvest practices and by understanding the variables like temperature, light exposure, and oxygen that influence AsA content. To fully comprehend the function of ascorbic acid in horticulture crops throughout plant growth, fruit development and ripening, and postharvest physiology, more study is required. This information may be used to increase the ascorbic acid content of crops and improve their nutritional value. Key intermediates in the AsA biosynthesis pathway have been shown in a simplified schematic diagram. The control of plant AsA production and subsequent responses to horticulture crops throughout plant growth, fruit development and ripening, and postharvest physiology may now be better understood through future study.