Changes in Pigment Concentrations Associated with the Degree of Sunburn Browning of ‘Fuji’ Apple

Abstract

Significant changes in pigments were identified, quantified, and correlated to the changes in color associated with sunburn browning (SB) of ‘Fuji’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). Apples were sorted into five classes: NB, no sunburn; SB-1 to SB-4, increasing severity of sunburn browning. A decline in chlorophylls a and b and reduced anthocyanin accumulation with increased sunburn severity were observed. A significant increase in total quercetin glycosides was seen with slight sunburn (i.e., SB-1) with most of the increase resulting from increased quercetin 3-galactoside and quercetin 3-glucoside + quercetin 3-rutinoside. Quercetin glycosides increased modestly from SB-1 to SB-4, but few differences were statistically significant. β-carotene increased in sunburned apples both years, but changes in SB-3 and SB-4 were inconsistent between the 2 years. The xanthophylls were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SB-1 than in NB, but no difference was detected from SB-1 to SB-4. Lutein, a xanthophyll, showed no change as a result of sunburn in either year. Hue angle was highly correlated (P < 0.05) to the concentrations of total chlorophylls, idaein, and total quercetin glycosides. Despite minor differences between growing seasons, the overall trends of decreased chlorophyll and idaein, and increased quercetin glycosides and carotenoids persisted. Lower chlorophyll and anthocyanin concentrations observed in the sunburned apples allowed the yellows from the carotenoids and quercetin glycosides to be more prominent. Additionally, the increases in carotenoid and quercetin glycoside concentrations of sunburned apples made the change in color more striking.