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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #164305
Title: METHYL JASMONATE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ETHANOL TREATMENTS INCREASES ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY, AROMA COMPOUNDS AND POSTHARVEST LIFE OF STRAWBERRY FRUIT

Author
item AYALA-ZAVALA, FERNANDO - CIAD, MEXICO
item Wang, Chien
item Wang, Shiow
item GONZALEZ-AGUILAR, GUSTAVO - CIAD, MEXICO

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2004
Publication Date: 9/1/2004
Citation: Ayala-Zavala, F.J., Wang, C.Y., Wang, S.Y., Gonzalez-Aguilar, G. 2004. Methyl jasmonate in conjunction with ethanol treatments increases antioxidant capacity, aroma compounds and postharvest life of strawberry fruit [abstract]. International Symposium Tropical and Sub-tropical Fruits. p. 157.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The antioxidant capacity (measured as oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC), total anthocyanins, total phenolics, aroma compounds, and postharvest quality of strawberry fruit (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Allstar) were evaluated after treatment with several natural volatile compounds and storage at 7.5 °C. Strawberry fruit treated with methyl jasmonate (MJ) or its combination with ethanol (MJ-ETOH) showed higher antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and anthocyanins than those treated with ethanol or the control fruit. However, MJ-ETOH and ethanol treatments increased aroma compounds during storage period. The postharvest life based on overall quality was longer for those berries treated with MJ-ETOH and MJ than those treated with ethanol or control fruit. The production of aroma compounds was markedly influenced by storage time and treatments. Individual aroma compounds were affected differently. For example, methyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, butyl acetate, and hexyl acetate increased, while ethyl butanoate, 3-hexenyl acetate, and methyl hexanoate decreased during storage. In general, strawberries treated with MJ or MJ-ETOH produced higher levels of these volatiles than those untreated. In conclusion, strawberries treated with MJ-ETOH retained an acceptable overall quality for the longest storage duration; however, berries treated with MJ showed the highest antioxidant capacity during the postharvest period.