CHLOROPHYLL AND XANTHOPHYLL CHANGES IN BROCCOLI FLORETS STORED UNDER ELEVATED CO2 OR ETHYLENE-CONTAINING ATMOSPHERE

Chlorophylls and xanthophylls were monitored in broccoli (Brassica ole racea L. var. italica Plen.) florets stored in air, air + 10 ppm ethyl ene, or 10% CO2 + 1% O-2 controlled atmosphere (CA) at 15 degrees C. C hlorophylls a and b, as measured with high-performance liquid chromato graphy, decreased in florets held in air. The decrease was accelerated by ethylene treatment and suppressed in CA. Chlorophyllide a and pheo phorbide a were present in fresh broccoli florets, but the levels decr eased significantly in all treatments during storage. The oxidized pro duct of chlorophyll a, 13(2)-hydroxychlorophyll a, did not accumulate, Xanthophylls decreased, but new pigments, suggested to be esterified xanthophylls, formed with yellowing in stored florets. The chlorophyll degradative pathway in broccoli florets was not altered by ethylene o r CA and differed from that reported for parsley (Petroselium crisum N ym.) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) leaves.