Changes in Anthocyanin Concentration, Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase, and Glucosyltransferase in the Arils of Pomegranates Stored in Elevated Carbon Dioxide Atmospheres

Abstract

The influence of CO2 on color and anthocyanin concentration in the arils of `Wonderful' pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) was investigated. Pomegranates were placed in jars ventilated continuously with air or air enriched with 10% or 20% CO2 at 10°C for 6 weeks. Samples were taken initially, and after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks and anthocyanin concentration was measured by HPLC. The arils of the pomegranates stored in air were deeper red than those stored in CO2-enriched atmospheres. This increase in red color resulted from an increase in anthocyanin concentration. Arils from fruit stored in air+10% CO2 had a lower anthocyanin concentration than air-stored fruit, and atmospheres enriched with 20% CO2 suppressed anthocyanin biosynthesis. Anthocyanin concentration was well-correlated to the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), but not to glucosyltransferase (GT) activity. Moderate CO2 atmospheres (10%) prolong the storage life and maintain the quality of pomegranates, including an adequate red color of the arils.