Effect of maturity at harvest in relation to changes in antioxidant properties and ethylene in 'Chandler' strawberry fruit

Abstract

The relationship between fruit maturation and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation, ethylene (C 2H4) production, antioxidant activity (hydrophilic, lipophilic and total) and the antioxidant enzyme ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11) in fruit pericarp tissue of 'Chandler' (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) strawberry were measured. 'Chandler' fruit pericarp maturation and ripening were accompanied by a decline in H2O2 content early in fruit development followed by a rapid accumulation. An increase in membrane lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) coincided with accumulation of H2O2, which preceded a rise in C 2H4 production. In general, antioxidant activity declined as fruit matured and ripened. APX enzyme activity increased by 2-fold and peaked at the pink stage of development and then gradually declined with ripening. H2O2 may serve as a signal molecule to initiate the cascade of oxidative processes during maturation and ripening. APX enzyme activity during maturation and ripening was not substantial and thus, may not have a role in alleviating accumulation of H2O2 and subsequent events related to oxidative senescence in fruit pericarp. To our knowledge, this is the first study to present fractionated antioxidant activities (HAA, LAA and TAA) from strawberry pericarp as assessed by the ABTS•+ radical cation assay. A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms involved in the senescent related-oxidative changes during strawberry fruit ontogeny in relation to quality and nutrition is discussed. © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.