Effect of postharvest application of ethylene on the profile of phenolic acids and anthocyanins in three blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum)

BACKGROUND: The blueberry is a fruit that has been studied extensively for its health benefits, mainly due to its high antioxidant activity. There is a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and total anthocyanin and phenolic compound content. Postharvest treatment using ethylene may be a factor affecting the anthocyanin content. The objective of this work was to analyze postharvest treatment using ethylene on the anthocyanin profile during the storage of blueberries and phytochemical composition of ‘Bluecrop’, ‘Goldtraube,’ and ‘Ozarkblue.’ Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity; the treatment was carried out with 1000 µL L⁻¹ of ethylene for 24 h followed by storage at 4 °C under normal atmosphere for 56 days. RESULTS: One day after treatment with ethylene, this increased the proportion of seven (more than 45%) and four (more than 65%) of the nine anthocyanins identified in the Bluecrop and Goldtraube cultivars respectively, and decreased five of the seven anthocyanins identified in ‘Ozarkblue’. For ‘Bluecrop,’ however, this increase reduced until the end of storage but in ‘Goldtraube’ seven anthocyanins had increased. CONCLUSION: The effect of ethylene on anthocyanin composition of blueberries appeared to depend on the cultivar. ‘Bluecrop’ and ‘Goldtraube’ responded positively with an increase in total anthocyanins.