Nitrogen metabolism in harvested asparagus: no difference between light and dark storage at 20 degrees C
Hurst, P.L., King, G. A., Woollard, D. C. and Borst, W. M.
Food chemistry. Vol: 47 Issue: 4 Pages: 329-332.
1993
บทคัดย่อ
To extend our knowledge of nitrogen metabolism in asparagus after harvest we monitored protein, amino acid and ammonia levels and glutamine synthetase activity in tip sections (0-30 mm) of asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis L. cv. Limbras 10) stored for up to 48 h in continuous light or dark at 20 degrees C. The patterns of change in light and dark were almost identical. Total protein content increased by 20% 12 h after harvest, before declining to harvest levels by 48 h. Ammonia increased slightly by 48 h. Glutamine synthetase activity increased 10-15% by 18 h then declined to 90% of harvest activity by 48 h. Glutamic acid and glutamine were the most abundant amino acids at harvest, accounting for 42% of the pool. Glutamine and proline levels fell rapidly. By 48 h most amino acids had increased substantially, with asparagine accounting for 28% of the pool. Glutamine levels fell steadily during storage, irrespective of the regime. Our results suggest that postharvest nitrogen metabolism in asparagus spear tips is not modulated by light.