Chlorophyll degradation and its control in postharvest fruits

 

 

Xue-qun Pang,^1,3 Xiao-tang Yang^2,3 and Zhao-qi Zhang^2,3*

¹College of Life Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

²College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

³Key Lab of Postharvest Science of Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: Chlorophyll (Chl) degradation is closely linked to the colour quality of fruits after harvest. Research on Chl degradation/degreening in postharvested fruits and its control is of biological interest as well as of commercial significance. This review summarises the research progress on Chl degradation pathway in higher plants, the factors affecting Chl degradation of fruits after harvest and the measures to control Chl breakdown to reach or maintain the required colour of fruits in the postharvest handling chain.

Findings: So far certain postharvest measures have been shown to efficiently control Chl degradation and improve the appearance of fruits.

Directions for future research: Further studies should be directed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of Chl degradation regulation in fruits so that better management of fruit colour can be achieved.

 

Keywords: fruits; postharvest quality; chlorophyll degradation

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2008, 6:8

Published online 01 December 2008

doi: 10.2212/spr.2008.6.8