Effects of 6-ba treatments on yellowing and quality of stored rocket (eruca sativa mill.) leaves

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) treatment on yellowing in order to retain the postharvest quality of rocket leaves. Results of the first experiment showed that the most effective 6-BA concentration was 10 μL/L, as treated leaves had lower respiration rate, less yellowing and remained marketable after 14-day storage at 8C. Results of the second experiment showed that treatment with 10 μL/L 6-BA for 30, 60 or 120 s significantly reduced respiration rate from the 4th day of storage as well as yellowing, color and chlorophyll changes at the end of the 14-day storage period. However, the most effective dipping time was that of 60 s, as treated leaves retained their initial chlorophyll content. No appreciable effect of that treatment on ascorbic acid, nitrates, soluble solids, total phenols and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity of rocket leaves was observed in comparison with the control. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.