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Published on: February 17, 2023
Color Development and Phytochemical Changes in Mature Green Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) Exposed to Red and Blue
Wissanee Pola1,2, Sumiko Sugaya3, Songsin Photchanachai1,2
1Division of Postharvest Technology, School of Bioresources and Technology , King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi , 49, Soi Thiantale 25, Bangkhuntien-Chaitale Road , Thakham, Bangkhuntien, Bangkok 10150 , Thailand.
Abstract:
Exposure of mature green "Takanotsume" chili fruit to blue and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) was investigated. The red LED accelerated the red color development of chili as indicated by higher a* and chroma values, as well as lower hue angle and total chlorophyll compared to the blue LED and darkness (control). These were linked to increases in β-carotene, free-capsanthin, and total carotenoids. The carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes, lycopene-β-cyclase (Lcyb), β-carotene hydroxylase (CrtZ), and capsanthin/capsolubin synthase (Ccs), were up-regulated by the red LED after 2 days of the experiment. The blue LED was more effective in increasing the expression of the phytoene synthase (Psy) gene at day 1 of experiment. The total phenolic, vitamin C content, and antioxidant capacity were also higher in the blue LED-treated chili. Results suggest that the responses of each carotenoid-related gene to the light wavelengths and the accumulation of phytochemicals are specific characteristics of this chili cultivar.
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