Lysophosphatidylethanolamine effects upon volatiles and quality of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon

A. L. Amaro*, J. F. Fundo, J. C. Beaulieu, R. E. Stein, J. P. Fernández-Trujillo, D. P. F. Almeida

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Wounding increases the hydrolysis of phospholipids mediated by phospholipase D (PLD) in plant tissues. Subsequent reactions may originate flavor-related aldehydes and alcohols. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) is a naturally occurring phospholipid capable of inhibiting phospholipase D in vitro. The effect of LPE on the quality and volatile profile of fresh-cut melon was investigated. Cantaloupe melons (Cucumis melo L. 'Fiesta') were processed into cubes, vacuum-infiltrated with 200 μg L-1 of LPE, packaged in plastic clamshells and stored at 5°C for 9 days. The activities of phospholipase D (PLD) and C (PLC), respiration and ethylene production rates, color, firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), and volatile production were measured during storage at 5°C for 9 days. LPE significantly reduced the activity of PLD and PLC one day after the treatment but the effect was transient. LPE did not affect ethylene production and had a negligible effect on the respiration rate of melon cubes. Firmness and SSC were not affected by the treatment but LPE induced a very small increase in hue angle. LPE did not affect the major classes of volatiles in melon -esters and alcohols -but reduced the accumulation of aldehydes typical of wounding after the first day of storage. In conclusion, LPE did not help in the quality retention of fresh-cut melon but had a specific inhibitory effect on aldehyde production.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationXXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010)
Subtitle of host publicationInternational Symposium on Postharvest Technology in the Global Market
PublisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
Pages959-965
Number of pages8
Volume934
ISBN (Print)9789066053786
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jun 2012

Publication series

NameActa Horticulturae
PublisherInternational Society for Horticultural Science
ISSN (Print)0567-7572

Keywords

  • Aroma
  • Cucumis melo
  • Phospholipase C
  • Phospholipase D

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