Magnetization transfer and double-quantum filtered imaging as probes for motional restricted water in tulip bulbs

Parameter sensitive MRI experiments were performed on tulip bulbs before an d after storage at two different temperatures, 4 degreesC (chilled), and 20 degreesC (non-chilled). Quantitative measurements of the amount of magneti zation transfer (MT) in the storage scales of the bulbs, were compared to t he average values of the relaxation rates R-1 and R-2, and the apparent nor malized spin density (NSD). At the end of the storage period, bulbs were al so scanned using H-1 double quantum (DQ) filtered imaging. Both MT and DQ f iltered imaging revealed significant differences between chilled and non-ch illed bulbs, which were consistent with the differences observed in the ave rage values of NSD, R-1, and R-2. The results indicated a smaller fraction of solid protons (e.g., starch, sugars, and possibly bound water), or less contact between these solid protons and (free) water in the storage scales of the chilled bulbs, after 8 weeks of storage at low temperature. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.