Effect of Ethylene on Chlorophyllase Activity and Chlorophyll Content in Calamondin Rind Tissue1

Abstract

Chlorophyllase activity in rind tissue of calamondin ( Citrus microcarpa Bunge) increased 195% following a 10 ppm ethylene treatment at 30°C for 24 hours with a concomitant decrease in chlorophyll. A 6 to 12 hour treatment with ethylene was required before detecting increased chlorophyllase activity. Cycloheximide applied immediately prior to the ethylene treatment reduced ethylene stimulated chlorophyllase activity by 60% and reduced chlorophyll degradation markedly, indicating that ethylene stimulated the synthesis or activation of chlorophyllase.