Hot air treatment decreases chlorophyll catabolism during postharvest senescence of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) heads

A hot air treatment was applied to broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets and its effect on chlorophyll catabolism during postharvest senescence was analyzed. Florets were treated at 48 °C for 3 h and then placed in darkness at 20 °C. During storage, the yellowing of florets occurred simultaneously with a decrease in chlorophylls and an increase in pheophytins. Heat treatment delayed the appearance of yellowing by 2–3 days and a similar extension of shelf‐life could be inferred. Also, the treatment delayed the onset of chlorophyll catabolism and slowed both the rate of chlorophyll a degradation and pheophytin accumulation. No effect on chlorophyll b degradation was found. Chlorophyllase and Mg‐dechelatase activities increased from the first day of storage in untreated florets, whereas peroxidase‐linked chlorophyll bleaching activity increased from day 3. In heat‐treated florets, chlorophyllase activity did not increase until day 2 and then increased at lower rate than in controls. Mg‐dechelatase and peroxidase‐linked chlorophyll bleaching activities were similar in treated and control florets during the first 2 days of storage, but thereafter the activity of both enzymes was lower in heat‐treated samples. In conclusion, a treatment at 48 °C for 3 h delayed chlorophyll a catabolism in broccoli during postharvest senescence and decreased the activities of chlorophyllase, Mg‐dechelatase and peroxidase, three of the enzymes probably involved in chlorophyll degradation in plants. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of hot air treatments on senescence and quality parameters of harvested broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var Italica) heads

Treatments with hot air were applied to broccoli (Brassica oleracea L) florets to investigate the effect on several quality and senescence parameters. To select the optimum treatment, florets were treated with different combinations of time/temperature ranging from 1 to 3 h and 37 to 50 °C and then placed in darkness at 20 °C. Most treatments delayed yellowing and loss of chlorophylls, except those performed at 37 °C, which accelerated senescence. Treatment at 48 °C for 3 h caused the highest delay in chlorophyll loss and was chosen to analyse its effect on quality and senescence. Non‐treated florets showed yellowing and reduced their chlorophyll content during storage. Heat treatment delayed the onset of chlorophyll catabolism by 1 day and slowed down the rate of degradation. Treated florets also showed lower losses of total sugars and proteins and an inhibition of protein solubilisation. Control heads showed an increment in CO₂ production, which was not detected in heat‐treated florets. Total antioxidants decreased and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) increased during storage. The treatment delayed the decrease in antioxidant content and inhibited the increment in TBARS. In conclusion, treatment at 48 °C for 3 h delayed broccoli senescence at 20 °C and contributed to maintaining an overall better quality of the product. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

不同采后处理对青花菜功能成分和品质的影响

青花菜富含维生素C和芥子油苷等抗癌功能成分,是一种世界范围的重要蔬菜。青花菜的食用部分为花球,呼吸非常旺盛,易衰老黄化,是一种非常难贮藏的蔬菜,采后过程中容易造成营养和品质的下降,研究不同采后处理对青花菜功能成分和品质的影响,不仅在采后生理研究领域有较大的意义,而且对青花菜产业有重要指导作用。本文结合国内外研究报道,分析了冷藏、气调、薄膜包装、乙烯抑制剂1-甲基环丙烯处理和光处理等采后处理方式对采后青花菜产品功能成分和品质的影响,从芥子油苷等功能成分生物合成和代谢的角度解析了可能的机制,在此基础上全面总结和评价青花菜各种采后处理方法,并对该领域未来研究方向及其应用前景进行了展望。     

Effect of drying conditions on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.)

The effect of air‐drying parameters on antioxidant activity and changes in antioxidant compounds of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) were studied. Broccoli samples were dried to 70 g kg^?1 moisture content using temperatures ranging from 50 to 100 °C and air flow‐rates from 1.20 to 2.25 m s^?1, resulting in drying times from 25 to 90 min. Temperature, owing to its positive effect on the oxidation kinetics, was negatively correlated with ascorbic acid and free and total polyphenol contents but not with kaempferol, even though the sample dried at the highest temperature showed the lowest kaempferol content. The air flow‐rate was positively correlated with the total (TPP) and free (FPP) polyphenol contents because it led to a reduction in the drying time. No correlation was found between air flow‐rate and kaempferol content. Air flow‐rate and temperature positively affected the antioxidant activity by reducing the drying time. High‐temperature, short‐time processes maximised the antioxidant activity of broccoli owing to the negative effect of drying time on antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of broccoli was positively and significantly correlated with the FPP content but not with TPP and kaempferol. The evaluation of hydroxymethylfurfural content as an indicator of the occurrence of a Maillard reaction in dried broccoli did not support the hypothesis of a contribution of MRPs to the antioxidant activity of dried broccoli. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of ethylene, cytokinin and physical treatments on BoPaO gene expression of harvested broccoli

BACKGROUND: Broccoli is a highly perishable vegetable that shows enhanced postharvest senescence and intense de‐greening caused by chlorophyll degradation. One of the key steps of chlorophyll catabolism is the opening of chlorophyll tretrapyrrole catalysed by pheophorbide a oxygenase (PaO). In this study the expression of a gene encoding a putative PaO was characterised under several chemical and physical treatments. RESULTS: A fragment of a gene encoding a PaO from broccoli (BoPaO) was cloned. The expression of BoPaO showed an important increment during postharvest senescence, in correlation with chlorophyll degradation. Furthermore, broccoli heads were treated with the hormones cytokinin and ethylene. Cytokinin delayed the increment in BoPaO expression, while ethylene accelerated the process. Also, several postharvest treatments were applied in order to evaluate their effect on BoPaO expression. Samples treated with modified atmosphere, hot air, UV‐C or white light showed a delay in chlorophyll degradation and de‐greening. In most cases the treatments also delayed the increment in BoPaO expression during senescence. CONCLUSION: A close correlation between chlorophyll degradation and BoPaO expression was found during broccoli senescence. This relationship was corroborated in samples treated with different hormonal and physical applications. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of postharvest UV‐C treatment on refrigerated storage of minimally processed broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica)

Minimally processed broccoli was treated with UV‐C light (8 kJ m^?2) and subsequently stored for 21 days at 4 °C. The UV‐C treatment delayed yellowing and chlorophyll degradation during storage. Treated broccoli florets displayed lower electrolyte leakage and respiratory activity, indicating higher tissue integrity. Treated samples showed higher phenolic and ascorbic acid contents as well as higher antioxidant activity than controls. Treated samples also had a higher content of soluble sugars, but no differences in the content of soluble proteins between control and treated samples were detected. The UV‐C treatment also affected bacterial and mould populations. After 21 days at 4 °C the number of colony‐forming units of both populations was lower in treated than in control broccoli florets. The results suggest that UV‐C treatment reduces tissue damage of minimally processed broccoli during storage at 4 °C, thus maintaining nutritional quality and reducing microbial growth. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

光照处理提高鲜切西兰花贮藏品质

为减缓鲜切西兰花贮藏期间品质下降,延长贮藏期,运用分光光度法研究连续光照处理(2000 lx)对鲜切西兰花低温贮藏期间品质变化的影响。结果表明,和黑暗对照相比,光照处理显著减缓鲜切西兰花贮藏期间叶绿素降解和黄化发生率,维持类胡萝卜素、可溶性固形物和抗坏血酸含量,从而使其保持较高的抗氧化力。然而,光照处理显著促进鲜切西兰花鲜质量损失。     

Effect of nitrogen and sulfur fertilization on glucosinolates in the leaves and roots of broccoli sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica cv. Marathon) sprouts are a rich source of glucosinolates, particularly 4‐methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin), the precursor of the chemoprotective isothiocyanate, sulforaphane. Sulfur and nitrogen fertilization have been shown to influence the pattern and levels of glucosinolates in mature broccoli, but little information is available on the fertilization of sprouts, a transient stage of broccoli growth, which have been recommended for salads. Therefore, an experiment was set up to evaluate the effect of N and S fertilization on the glucosinolate content of the aerial part and roots of broccoli sprouts. Nitrogen was tested at 0, 45.5, 91.0 mg L^?1 and sulfur at 0, 14.6 and 29.2 mg L^?1. The results showed that total glucosinolates in the aerial part were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the roots. The major glucosinolates in the aerial part were 4‐methylsulfinylbutyl and 3‐methylsulfinylpropyl whereas in the roots they were 2‐phenylethyl and 4‐methylthiobutyl. Fertilization of broccoli sprouts had a significant (P < 0.001) detrimental effect on the levels of aliphatic glucosinolates whereas the opposite was noted for indole and aromatic glucosinolates, for some of the fertilization combinations tested. Overall, the results indicate that broccoli sprouts do not benefit from fertilization. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of controlled atmospheres with varying O2/CO2 levels on the postharvest senescence and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets

Controlled atmosphere (CA) has been widely used to help extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of horticultural products. In the present study, broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. cv. Youxiu) florets were stored under CA with high levels of O₂/CO₂ at 15 °C, including 100 % O₂, 80 % O₂ + 20 % CO₂, 60 % O₂ + 40 % CO₂, 40 % O₂ + 60 % CO₂, and air (control), to determine the effects of CA on storage period and on some physiological properties during storage. The results showed that compared with the control, the treatments combining O₂ and CO₂ effectively extended the storage period and inhibited respiration rate, ethylene production, and reductions in weight loss, chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid levels. Moreover, the CA treatments inhibited the increases in both superoxide radicals (O ₂ ^?· ) production rate and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) level and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, which could be beneficial in delay of senescence by alleviation of oxidative damage. In addition, broccoli florets exposed to CA conditions maintained lower activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase that are responsible for scavenging of O ₂ ^?· and H₂O₂ and alleviating lipid peroxidation. Among the treatments, the maximum efficacy was observed with a CA of 40 % O₂ + 60 % CO₂, which prolonged the storage period of broccoli heads to 17 days (d) compared with 4 d under air treatment. Conversely, 100 % O₂ treatment accelerated senescence and deterioration in the quality of broccoli, resulting in a shorter storage period. These results suggest that the establishment of an appropriate CA condition with high levels of O₂/CO₂ may be an ideal strategy for maintaining the quality of broccoli florets during storage.     

Monitoring colour,volatiles in the headspace and enzyme activity to assess the quality of broccoli florets (Brassica oleracea L. italica cv. Bellstar and Legacy) during postharvest storage

The research objective was to study whether volatile organic compounds released in the headspace could be used to assess the broccoli quality (Brassica oleracea L. italica cv. Bellstar and Legacy) during postharvest storage (23 °C for 7 days) and correlated with colour change and the activity of peroxidase/POD, ascorbic acid oxidase/AAO and lipoxygenase/LOX. Volatile organic compounds were monitored using PTR‐MS. Methanol had the highest concentration compared with other volatiles released in the headspace that significantly increased during senescence. The methanol concentration was approximately 500 ppbv before the broccoli colour began to change from green to yellow. The concentration of methanol in the headspace increased to 1000–1100 ppbv for Bellstar and Legacy when the colour became yellowish. LOX had high correlation (0.91 and 0.83 for Bellstar and Legacy, respectively) with volatiles for both cultivars, but not for POD. Methanol production is proposed as the best volatile marker to assess the broccoli quality.     

1-甲基环丙烯和壳聚糖对鲜切西兰花活性氧代谢及保鲜效果的影响

研究1-甲基环丙烯(1-MCP)、壳聚糖对鲜切西兰花贮藏期间活性氧代谢及保鲜效果的影响。实验设置1-MCP(2μL/L)、壳聚糖(2%)及1-MCP联合壳聚糖3个处理,以未加处理的鲜切西兰花为对照,对鲜切西兰花10℃贮藏期间的相关指标进行测定。结果表明:1-MCP处理能显著降低呼吸作用,维持较高的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)活性,减少了O-2.和H2O2及MDA在体内的积累,延缓VC和叶绿素含量的下降,表现出很好的贮藏效果;壳聚糖处理与1-MCP处理效果相反,缩短了鲜切西兰花的贮藏时期;与对照相比,1-MCP联合壳聚糖虽有一定保鲜效果,但两者差异不明显。     

Quality response of table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) during cold storage to postharvest cap stem excision and hot water treatments

Berry quality, total phenol, sensory characteristics and decay incidence of grapes (V. vinifera cvs. Mü?küle and Red Globe) as affected by prestorage hot water immersion with or without cap stem excision treatments were investigated with 7‐day interval during storage at 1 °C for 21 days. Weight loss occurred mainly up to the second week and was more pronounced for the untreated control samples subjected to the stem excision. In Mü?küle, the least weight loss value was obtained from hot water–treated grapes (0.62%), while the highest loss occurred in control grapes of stem‐excised berries (0.96%). Immersion of stem‐retained grapes in hot water was the best applications for maintenance of overall storage quality for both cultivars. According to panellist scores, it is evident that hot water has positive effect on maintaining the minimally processed table grapes without altering the flavour and taste of the commodity. Stem‐retained berries of hot water treatment had the highest score for both Mü?küle and Red Globe, with their values 3.8 and 4.2, respectively, while the least values were obtained from stem‐excised berries of untreated control group of both the cultivars (1.9 and 3.0, respectively). At the end of three‐week storage, the least decay rates were determined in stem‐retained berries that received hot water treatment (5.3% for Mü?küle and 1.1% for Red Globe). Attenuate influence of brief high temperature exposure on ripening parameters (SSC, TA, MI, pH) was also observed. Postharvest hot water treatment may be used as a nonchemical means to extent storage life of minimally processed grapes with its alleviating effect on physiological disorders. Cap stem retaining in minimal processing can be recommended to maintain the quality of grapes.     

可溶性糖介导的荧光照射延缓鲜切西兰花衰老黄化

鲜切西兰花极易衰老黄化,严重影响其感官质量和商品价值。为减缓鲜切西兰花衰老黄化,延长贮藏期,研究荧光照射（光照）处理（24 μmol/（m2·s）、12 h/d）对鲜切西兰花贮藏期间（7 ℃、5 d）衰老黄化的影响。结果表明：和黑暗对照相比,光照处理能够显著维持鲜切西兰花叶绿素含量,降低黄化指数（P＜0.05）,同时诱导葡萄糖、蔗糖和果糖累积,与贮藏初期（第0天）相比,3 种糖在贮藏第5天分别增加了106%、73%和70%;进一步用0、40、80、120、160 mmol/L外源葡萄糖溶液对鲜切西兰花进行培养,结果发现在一定浓度范围（0～120 mmol/L）内,随着外源葡萄糖浓度增加,鲜切西兰花内源葡萄糖含量显著上升,黄化指数显著下降（P＜0.05）,而且黄化指数与外源葡萄糖浓度、内源葡萄糖含量呈极显著负相关（P＜0.01）,相关系数分别为－0.958和－0.878。因此,光照处理延缓鲜切西兰花黄化可能与其诱导的可溶性糖尤其是葡萄糖累积有关。     

Effect of post‐harvest treatments on the level of glucosinolates in broccoli

Broccoli is a very perishable vegetable with a high water content (around 88%) which leads to rapid dehydration and probably to an alteration in composition if conditions after harvest are not controlled. This study evaluates the glucosinolate pattern and glucosinolate levels in the principal and secondary inflorescences of fresh broccoli cv ‘Tokyodome’, and after being submitted to some situations which are likely to occur during or after harvest: room temperature (±20 °C) for 5 days, kept in the fridge at 4 °C for 5 days, and frozen after blanching. Another set of material was harvested 5 days later, simulating a post‐maturation stage, and analysed. The highest total glucosinolate content was found at commercial maturation with 20 888 and 20 355 µmoles kg⁻¹ DW in the principal and secondary inflorescences, respectively. Keeping the inflorescences at room temperature caused the most significant (P < 0.05) reductions in total and individual glucosinolates, except for 4‐hydroxyindol‐3‐ylmethyl‐, 2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl‐ and 2‐phenylethyl‐, when compared to the other situations. The highest levels (10 925 µmoles kg⁻¹ DW) of 4‐methylsulphinylbutyl‐, the precursor of the anti‐cancer isothiocyanate sulphoraphane, were found in the inflorescences freshly harvested at commercial stage. Refrigeration at 4 °C and freezing were shown to be the best preservation processes for maintaining high levels of these and other glucosinolates in contrast with the other situations. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relationship between free amino acids and glucosinolates in primary and secondary inflorescences of 11 broccoli (Brassica oleracea L var italica) cultivars grown in early and late seasons

Amino acids have been identified as the precursors of a class of secondary plant metabolites, the glucosinolates, but there is no report on the relationship between the two in vivo. In this work we have investigated the relationship between free amino acids and glucosinolates in 11 broccoli cultivars grown in early (April–July) and late (August–January) seasons. Free amino acids and glucosinolates were quantified by HPLC in primary and secondary inflorescences at maturity stage. Analysis of the data revealed that no significant correlation exists between free amino acids and glucosinolates, suggesting that the precursors of these compounds might be used during the first step of the biosynthetic process to form intermediates, the aldoximes and thiohydroximates, which will then be used in the second stage of the biosynthesis to form, apart from glucosinolates, other secondary plant metabolites. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of growth stage and postharvest storage on ascorbic acid and carotenoid content and visual quality of baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)

To investigate the variations in quality with growth stage and postharvest storage, spinach was sown on three occasions. For each occasion, the spinach was harvested at three growth stages at 6‐day intervals. The second stage corresponded to a growth period used for baby spinach by commercial growers. After harvest, the leaves were stored in polypropylene bags at 2 °C or 10 °C. The highest ascorbic acid content in fresh material was found at stage I. During storage, the ascorbic acid content decreased considerably and the dehydroascorbic acid/vitamin C ratio increased. Storage at 2 °C gave a smaller reduction in ascorbic acid content than storage at 10 °C. Total carotenoid content increased or remained stable during storage. Lutein was the major carotenoid, making up about 39% of the total carotenoid content, followed by violaxanthin, β‐carotene and neoxanthin. Visual quality decreased during storage in most cases, and was correlated to initial ascorbic acid and dry matter contents. The initial AA content might therefore be used as a parameter for predicting the shelf‐life of baby spinach. The results also indicate that by harvesting baby spinach a few days earlier than the current commercial stage of harvest the postharvest visual quality and nutritional quality may be improved. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry