Reduced ethylene synthesis of mangoes under high CO2 atmosphere storage

Renar João Bender,Steven Alonzo Sargent,Jeffrey Karl Brecht

doi:10.4025/actasciagron.v43i1.51540

Renar João Bender, Steven Alonzo Sargent + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v43i1.51540

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Abstract

. High CO2 atmospheres have been reported to be accountable for slower ripening processes of many fruit species. In modified or controlled atmosphere storage of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) delayed ripening is attributed to the effects of CO2 on ethylene biosynthesis, which is reduced under CO2 concentrations beyond 10%. In the present work the objective was to determine if those elevated CO2 atmospheres on ethylene synthesis could be attributed to the action of CO2 upon ACC oxidase. Mature green or tree ripe `Tommy Atkins` mangoes were, in four experiments, held in a flow through system of either 10 or 25% CO2 mixed to 5% O2 or only air for 14 or 21 days at 5, 8 or 12°C. Mangoes in the 25% CO2 atmosphere did not produce detectable levels of ethylene, whereas under 10% CO2 the production rates were significantly suppressed at 5 or 8°C. However, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) concentrations in mango mesocarp tissue at retrieval from storage were similar to the air controls and ACC synthase activity was not completely inhibited. The direct effects of CO2 concentrations on ACC oxidase activity is to be considered the most important factor in inhibiting ethylene biosynthesis of mangoes under 25% CO2 atmospheres.

Highlights

In the literature there are innumerous papers on the effects of CO2 on ripening processes credited to the condition of reduced ethylene production rates under elevated CO2 atmospheres occurring in conjunction with hindrance in ripening
Examining the ACC concentrations and the activity of ACC oxidase (Figure 2) a possible conclusion is that the reduction in ethylene production during CA storage may be predominantly attributed to the effects of CO2 on ACC oxidase
The mangoes stored in air at 8°C had significantly higher ACC oxidase activity compared to the other treatments, which indicates that at that temperature ethylene synthesis was not hindered

Summary

Introduction

In the literature there are innumerous papers on the effects of CO2 on ripening processes credited to the condition of reduced ethylene production rates under elevated CO2 atmospheres occurring in conjunction with hindrance in ripening. Reduced ACC synthase activity could be accountable, at least in part, for the inhibition of ripening (Bufler, 1984). The author observed that ACC synthase activity in apple tissues was severely reduced in atmospheres of up to 10% CO2. De Wild, Otma, and Peppenlenbos (2003) indicate that CO2 is an essential cofactor for ACC oxidase. Zacarías and Alférez (2007) presented evidences that low levels of CO2 are required for ethylene synthesis. Smith and John (1993) demonstrated that ACC oxidase has a requirement for CO2 for its maximum activity, with an increase in the apparent Km for both ACC and O2. Fernandez-Maculet, Dong, and Yang (1993) reported that CO2 exerts its action on ethylene synthesis by activating the enzyme ACC oxidase rather than the substrate ACC

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