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Postharvest and antioxidant potential of \'Piraroxa\' and \'Vanda\' lettuce

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Author(s):
Silce Adeline Danelon Guassi
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Master's Dissertation
Press: Piracicaba.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Ricardo Alfredo Kluge; Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima; Maria Cecilia de Arruda Palharini
Advisor: Ricardo Alfredo Kluge
Abstract

\'Piraroxa\' and \'Vanda\' are lettuce cultivars whose postharvest behavior has not yet been characterized. One of the differentials of these cultivars may be related to its high antioxidant potential as a result of its phenolic compounds action. In order to evaluate the postharvest parameters and feasibility of using these cultivars as sources of antioxidants, this study aimed to investigate their physiological and biochemical responses, comparing them to each other at different storage temperatures and at different harvest times. Vegetables were stored for 28 days at 0ºC and 95-97%RH and for four days at ambient monitored condition regardless of summer or winter seasons. In all storage conditions and harvest periods there was no difference between cultivars and decreasing trends were observed for ethylene production and respiratory rates. Cold storage provided dramatic decline of these variables. At ambient condition, however, cv. Vanda showed higher production of ethylene in the summer harvest and cv. Piraroxa had higher respiratory rates in the winter harvest. Color parameters remained constant. Cultivars showed similar trends among one another for both weight loss and the content of chlorophyll and carotenoids. Also, cold storage and high relative humidity were effective for the control of weight loss. Anthocyanins content was influenced by storage temperature, not by the harvest season, and did not show to be directly related to the antioxidant potential of cv. Piraroxa. Vegetables quality appeared to be preserved on cold storage until day 28, and at ambient condition until the first and second days. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and antioxidant potential of vegetables were influenced by harvest time, but not by the storage temperature. \'Vanda\' showed higher PPO activity in the summer harvest and \'Piraroxa\' showed higher antioxidant potential in all storage conditions and harvest times. Phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity of DPPH showed higher values in summer harvest for both cultivars, with constant value tendencies, while the model system ?-carotene/linoleic acid showed increasing trends, with significant increases in the second day of storage at ambient condition and after 21 days of refrigerated storage. The physiological parameters analyzed showed great similarity to postharvest behavior of the two cultivars, and the durability and maintenance of vegetables quality during refrigerated storage were extremely satisfactory. In contrast, both ambient and refrigerated monitored storages did not show as valid techniques for maximizing the antioxidant potential of vegetables, although lettuce constitutes an important source of dietary antioxidants. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/10806-7 - Postharvest and antioxidant potential of Piraroxa lettuce
Grantee:Silce Adeline Danelon Guassi
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master