Spectral Signature of Ripening in the Seeds of Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements of the seeds of chilli in raw and ripe stages have been carried out. The 440-nm excited fluorescence emission spectrum from raw seeds has given rise to bands in the green and red regions. The same wavelength excitation of ripe seeds has shown the strong green band only—the weaker red band being conspicuous by its absence. Time-resolved spectra of the raw and ripe seeds, excited by a 450-nm femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser pulse have revealed absolutely no difference in their fluorescence decay times.