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Peroxidase activity and superficial scald development in apple fruit
J Pablo Fernández-Trujillo1, Jacqueline F Nock, Eugene M Kupferman
1Department of Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|November 13, 2003
Summary
Soluble peroxidase (POX) activity in apples is generally linked to reduced superficial scald, a chilling injury. Higher POX levels often indicate lower scald susceptibility in certain apple varieties and harvest times.
Area of Science:
- * Plant Physiology
- * Fruit Science
- * Biochemistry
Background:
- * Superficial scald is a significant post-harvest chilling injury in apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.).
- * Soluble peroxidase (POX) enzyme activity has been investigated as a potential biochemical marker for scald development.
- * Understanding the relationship between POX activity and scald susceptibility is crucial for improving apple storage and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the correlation between soluble peroxidase (POX) activity and superficial scald incidence and severity in different apple systems.
- * To evaluate POX activity as a predictive indicator for scald susceptibility across various apple cultivars and harvest times.
- * To explore the biochemical basis of superficial scald resistance in apples.
Main Methods:
- * Assessed superficial scald development in three distinct apple experimental systems: a population with varying susceptibility, apples from different harvest dates, and contrasting resistant/susceptible cultivars.
- * Measured soluble peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7; POX) activity at harvest in apple fruit.
- * Analyzed the relationship between POX activity levels and the observed incidence and severity of superficial scald.
Main Results:
- * In White Angel x Rome Beauty progeny, POX activity at harvest showed a tendency towards association with scald, but consistency varied.
- * Less mature 'Delicious' apples exhibited higher scald incidence and lower POX activity compared to later harvests.
- * The scald-resistant 'Idared' cultivar displayed significantly higher POX activity than the scald-susceptible 'Law Rome' cultivar.
Conclusions:
- * A general hypothesis linking higher soluble peroxidase (POX) activity to reduced superficial scald susceptibility is supported by the study.
- * While POX activity appears to be a useful indicator, exceptions exist, suggesting other factors also influence scald development.
- * POX activity shows potential as a biochemical marker for predicting apple superficial scald, particularly when considering cultivar and maturity.