ISHS Acta Horticulturae 269: Symposium on Tropical Fruit in International Trade
SOURSOP FRUIT RIPENING - STARCH BREAKDOWN |
| Author: | Robert E. Paull |
| Abstract:
Starch isolated at different stages of soursop fruit ripening were separated by gel chromatography. Two days after harvest, lower molecular weight starch fractions were detected. The occurrence of these fractions coincided with the preclimacteric respiratory rise. The changes in molecular weight profiles were related to the rise in respiration rate and wall breakdown. The breakdown pattern suggested that an enzyme or enzymes degrade starch to random length glucans. A debranching enzyme and amylase were possibilities. Wall breakdown, as indicated by ethanol soluble uronic acids, increased 3 days after harvest. The breakdown of starch within 2 days of harvest could supply sufficient carboxylates to induce the preclimacteric respiratory rise. | |
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