ISHS Acta Horticulturae 479: IX International Asparagus Symposium
POSTHARVEST CHANGES ON CELL WALL AND PEROXIDASES OF WHITE ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS L.) |
| Authors: | R. Rodríguez, R. Guillén, A. Heredia, J. Fernández-Bolaños, A. Jiménez |
| Keywords: | Asparagus, Texture, Cell Wall, Peroxidase |
| Abstract:
The aim of the present work is to study the different factors that take part in the process of toughening of white asparagus during postharvest cold storage. In particular, the modifications of the cell wall polysaccharides, and isolated and partially purified peroxidase enzymes have been studied. The cell wall was isolated, and its polysaccharides fractionated according with their solubility in different extractants (water, imidazole/HCl buffer, sodium carbonate, and KOH of different concentrations). The cellulose fraction of fresh asparagus represented around 50% of the cell wall. Pectic polysaccharides were found to be rich in galactose and arabinose, and the main hemicellulosic polysaccharides found were xylans and xyloglucans. During cold storage there was a decrease in the extractability of polysaccharides, mainly of those soluble in water, imidazole/HCl buffer, and sodium carbonate. In parallel the isolation and partial purification of peroxidases both soluble and associated to the cell wall (ionically and covalently) was done. Their modifications during conservation and their relationship with the texture changes are discussed. | |
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