Preharvest application of ethephon and postharvest UV-B radiation improve quality traits of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. vulgaris) as source of colourant.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Betanins have become excellent replacers for artificial red-purple food colourants. Red beet (Beta vulgaris L. spp. vulgaris) known as beetroot, is a rich source of betalains, which major forms are betanin (red to purple) and vulgaxanthin (yellow). Betalains and phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites, accumulation of which is often triggered by elicitors during plant stress responses. In the present study, pre-harvest applications of ethephon (an ethylene-releasing compound) and postharvest UV-B radiation were tested as elicitors of betalains and phenolic compounds in two beetroot cultivars. Their effects on quality parameters were investigated, and the expression of biosynthetic betalain genes in response to ethephon was determined.

Results

Ethephon was app

SUBMITTER: Barba-Espin G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6276243 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature