ENZYME-ACTIVITIES DURING POSTHARVEST STORAGE OF KOLANUT (COLA-NITIDA,SCHOOT AND ENDLICHER)

The activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and catalase were det ermined in extracts of kolanut, Cola nitida stored for 3 months. Enzym e activities measured in nut extracts at the early stages of storage ( 0-30 days of storage) were not significantly lower than those present in extracts of the fresh unstored nuts. The activities of polyphenol o xidase, peroxidase and catalase measured in the stored kolanut extract were decreased at the intermediate (30-60 days of storage) and mature (60-90 days of storage) periods. Weight changes due to moisture loss during the storage period were also observed. Weight and moisture loss es were high during the early storage period and weight loss was stead y during the mature storage period. These changes in activities play a significant role in the deterioration of kolanut in storage.