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DPA treatment alters alpha-farnesene metabolism in peel of 'Empire' apples stored in air or 1.5% O2 atmosphere.

Author(s) : WHITAKER B. D.

Type of article: Article

Summary

Treatment with diphenylamine (DPA), sometimes in combination with storage under low (plus or minus 1.5%) O2 atmosphere, is a major commercial means of limiting superficial scald in apple fruit. Synthesis and oxidation of the sesquiterpene alpha-farnesene are thought to be directly involved in induction of this storage disorder. Control of scald by DPA has been ascribed to its ability to block both in vitro and in vivo oxidation of alpha-farnesene to conjugated trienes (CTs). The time course and levels of alpha-farnesene and CT accumulation in peel tissue were compared in 'Empire' apples that were either DPA-treated or untreated and stored for up to 28 weeks at 0 °C in air or under 1.5% O2 atmosphere. Also, it was found that the HPLC-UV method previously developed to quantify alpha-farnesene and CTs could be used to simultaneously measure the concentration of DPA residue. DPA treatment delayed the onset of CT production by approximately 5 weeks and reduced CT accumulation more than 2.5-fold. The low O2 atmosphere was overall more effective than DPA treatment in reducing synthesis and oxidation of alpha-farnesene. In combination, however, DPA and low O2 had a synergistic effect, resulting in a ninefold reduction in alpha-farnesene and virtual elimination of CT production over 28 weeks.

Details

  • Original title: DPA treatment alters alpha-farnesene metabolism in peel of 'Empire' apples stored in air or 1.5% O2 atmosphere.
  • Record ID : 2001-1421
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Postharvest Biol. Technol. - vol. 18 - n. 2
  • Publication date: 2000/03

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