Chlorophyll fluorescence as an indicator of physiological changes in cold-stored broccoli after transfer to room temperature

Our objective was to determine if chlorophyll fluorescence could be used as an indicator of physiological changes in cold-stored broccoli after transf er to room temperature. Mass loss, respiration, and ammonia content increas ed when the broccoli were held at 18 degrees C for 72h, whereas the chlorop hyll fluorescence measurements (Fv/Fm, T1/2 and Fmd) decreased. Broccoli co lor began to change after 24h, as hue decreased rapidly and chroma increase d. Fv/Fm decreased markedly only after the first 24h when the color changes began, whereas T1/2 and Fmd decreased continuously as the broccoli aged. B oth T1/2 and Fmd correlated negatively with mass loss and respiration.