Protein synthesis inhibitors accelerate the postharvest senescence of asparagus and induce tiprot

Abstract

Abstract In an attempt to delay the postharvest senescence of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), protein synthesis inhibitors were fed to spears by immersing their butt ends in solutions of either actinomycin D or cycloheximide. These treatments, which are known to retard the senescence of excised flowers and leaves, accelerated the postharvest senescence of spears rather than delaying it. Shelf‐life and spear elongation were both reduced. Spear tips had lower concentrations of hexose and asparagine, and an increased incidence of the postharvest disorder, tiprot, than did tips of control (water‐fed) spears. The significance of these observations on the etiology of tiprot is discussed.