[Effects of low oxygen-modified atmosphere packaging on browning and lignification of peeled bamboo shoots]

The browning and lignification of peeled bamboo shoots (Phyllostachys praecox f. prevelnalis) under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with a combination of 2% O(2)+5% CO(2)+93% N(2) in 0.04 mm polyethylene bag during storage at 10 degrees C were investigated. The results indicated malondialdehyde (MDA) content of bamboo shoots under MAP with low O(2) atmosphere was lower than that in the control during early storage, the activities of peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyse (PAL) were significantly inhibited (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), and the browning of bamboo shoots under MAP with low O2 atmosphere was eventually significantly prevented (P<0.01) and cellulose and lignin contents were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The browning of bamboo shoots was probably caused by POD and PAL activities, and the increase in POD and PAL activities might account for the lignification of bamboo shoots.