Effect of cold storage on enzyme activity and postharvest conservation of tannia ('Xanthosoma sagittifolium') leaves

This study aimed to evaluate the cold tolerance of two contrasting genotypes of tannia leaves, an edible and an ornamental variety, on oxidative enzymes, accumulation of phenolic compounds and postharvest metabolism of carbohydrates. To simulate shipping storage conditions, fresh leaves were stored at 5 and 10 degreesC, relative humidity of 68 +/- 5%, wrapped with non-perforated low density polyethylene bag in cardboard boxes and stored for 20 days. Samples were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 days of storage, visually evaluated and then analyzed for the activity of peroxidase (POD), polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and catalase (CAT), concentration of soluble phenolic compounds, content of total soluble sugar, reducing sugar and starch. The storage for 20 days at temperatures of 5 or 10 degreesC did not induce any degradation of starch in the leaves. The cold storage did not stimulate peroxidase activity in either genotype. The increase in catalase activity occurred after 14 days storage of leaves cv. Comum and from the 6th day in genotype BGH/UFV 5932 at 10 degreesC. Cold temperature did not induce changes on polyphenoloxidase activity. The results indicate that during cold storage, the genotypes showed no symptoms of chilling, without any visual sign of browning caused by the low temperature, nevertheless shorter conservation of leaves occurred at storage of 5 degreesC, indicating some chilling injury sensitivity. Further studies are underway to establish the effect of temperature on the cell membrane metabolism.

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