Postharvest variation in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) Flavonoids following harvest, storage, and 1-MCP treatment.
The impact of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the synthesis and retention of flavonoid compounds during storage and ripening of red Delicious (Malus x domestica Borkh.) apples was investigated. Numerous anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and a hydroxycinnamic acid from three different fruit harvest maturities were monitored after a 120 day storage and 1 week shelf life period using high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector analysis. The total flavonoid concentration was 5% greater in fruit treated with 1-MCP, whereas chlorogenic acid levels were 24% lower. All compounds analyzed increased in concentration during fruit harvest; however, the anthocyanins generally declined after storage, while chlorogenic acid levels increased. 1-MCP treatment resulted in the retention of anthocyanins in the latter stages of storage but did not affect the flavonols and flavan-3-ols. Chlorogenic acid biosynthesis from early and optimal fruit harvest maturities was greatly inhibited by 1-MCP during storage and the 1 week shelf life period. However, 1-MCP did not affect chlorogenic acid concentrations in late-harvested fruit. Results suggest that 1-MCP may inhibit the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and subsequent biosynthesis of flavonoid compounds. However, because very little postharvest biosynthesis of flavonoids occurs in apples, 1-MCP treatment may be useful for maintaining some of the intrinsic flavonoid levels of red Delicious apples, if applied at the proper harvest maturity.
MacLean
Dan D
DD
Department of Plant Agriculture, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
Murr
Dennis P
DP
DeEll
Jennifer R
JR
Horvath
Christopher R
CR
D002726:Chlorogenic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D003521:Cyclopropanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000032:analysis*; D005519:Food Preservation; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D027845:Malus / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors
D003521:Cyclopropanes; D005419:Flavonoids; D002726:Chlorogenic Acid; C105498:1-methylcyclopropane