Long non-coding RNAs associated with the postharvest quality and stress resistance of horticultural crops.

There is growing recognition of the role that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a regulatory role in a variety of cellular processes in eukaryotes. Their role in plants, including horticultural crops, has also been extensively investigated. Recent research has indicated that lncRNAs are potentially involved in the postharvest biological processes of fruits and vegetables, although the number of studies is still limited. In this frontier article, an overview of the current status of lncRNAs is provided, including their classification, identification. and potential involvement in postharvest senescence, quality maintenance, and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance of horticultural crops. Topics requiring further research are presented that will provide a more complete knowledge of the functional role of lncRNA in the postharvest biology of horticultural crops. All rights reserved, Elsevier.