Chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments in Ribes fruits

Abstract

The chlorophyll and carotenoid pigments in some Ribes fruits, which are all low in carotenoid content, were investigated. In red currant ( Ribes sativum), where anthocyanins are responsible for the final colour, chlorophyll and carotenoid changes were followed at 3 ripening-stages. During ripening, both chlorophylls and carotenoids decreased continually, chlorophyll disappearing totally in the ripe fruit, and carotenoids being present in low concentration. The carotenoid pattern was that of the chloroplast type, but very complex at the unripe stage, containing a great number of minor pigments. In 3 cultivars of gooseberry ( Ribes grossularia), 2 with ripe fruits of a green colour and 1 blue-violet, the same chloroplast carotenoid pattern was found. A fourth gooseberry cultivar with ripe fruits of a yellow colour was different. Its carotenoid pattern was dominated by β-carotene (40% of total carotenoids). During ripening, its total carotenoid content increased 2.5-fold, involving an increased β-carotene synthesis. All gooseberry cultivars contained chlorophyll at the ripe stage.