Characterization of laccase from apple fruit during postharvest storage and its response to diphenylamine and 1-methylcyclopropene treatments

•Full length cloning and polygenetic tree analysis of laccase genes in apple tissue.•Laccase gene expression in apple is ripening related and controlled by DPA and 1-MCP.•Enzyme activity of laccase decreased significantly in response to DPA and 1-MCP treatment.•Phenolic compounds decreased without significant changes to DPA and 1-MCP treatments.•Alternative hypothesis on laccase in brown color development in apple superficial scald.