Polygalacturonase and Pectinmethylesterase Activities in Developing Highbush Blueberries

Abstract

Polygalacturonase (PG, E.C. 3.2.1.15) and pectinmethylesterase (PME, E.C. 3.1.1.11) activities, berry size, and texture were measured in fruit of developing high-bush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). Peak PME activity occurred in red berries and preceded peak PG activity, which was observed in blue-red fruit. Extensive softening occurred with the transition in berry color from red to blue-red. Both peak enzyme activities and maximum softening occurred by the time the fruit were =70$%0 of their maximum fresh weight.