Le. Villavicencio et al., Ethylene and carbon dioxide concentrations in attached fruits of pepper cultivars during ripening, SCI HORT A, 91(1-2), 2001, pp. 17-24
Ethylene and CO2 concentrations in peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) were studie
d throughout maturity in three pepper cultivars ('Camelot', 'King Arthur' a
nd 'Tabasco') under both greenhouse and field conditions. Air samples were
withdrawn from the locular cavity of attached fruits under ambient conditio
ns to determine ethylene and CO2 concentrations by gas chromatography. Both
variables differed with the stage of maturity for all cultivars. Ethylene
concentration ranged from 0 to 0244 mul 1(-1), and CO2 concentration ranged
from 6.05 to 206.5 mg l(-1). Concentration of both gases increased in ripe
ning fruits of 'Camelot' and 'King Arthur'. In 'Tabasco' fruits grown under
greenhouse conditions, CO2 concentration increased once fruits started dev
eloping red coloration. However, this peak was absent in 'Tabasco' fruits g
rown in the field. In general, all cultivars exhibited characteristics inte
rmediate between climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. (C) 2001 Elsevier
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