Rapid postharvest softening is a major challenge for the kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) industry, as it leads to significant declines in appearance, texture, flavor, and overall quality. To reduce postharvest losses and extend shelf life, various preservation techniques have been developed. This study investigated the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important gaseous signaling molecule, in delaying fruit ripening and softening. Compared to the control, H2S-treated fruits exhibited delayed color transition, higher firmness, lower total soluble solids content, and enhanced antioxidant capacity (as evidenced by significantly increased vitamin C content). Moreover, H2S treatment delayed the degradation of cell wall components (e.g. hemicellulose and pectin), thereby maintaining cell wall structural integrity. Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that H2S significantly downregulated the expression of key cell wall degradation-related genes, including AaPG1/2, AaExp1, AaPLL19, and Aa/3-Gal12. Dual-luciferase assays further identified the H2S-responsive transcription factors AaERFB3 and AaERFA4 as transcriptional activator and repressor of AaPG1 and Aa/3-Gal12, respectively. These findings reveal that H2S delays kiwiberry postharvest softening by modulating a transcriptional network involved in cell wall remodeling, providing a theoretical basis for developing improved kiwiberry preservation technologies.
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