ARS | Publication request: ESTER FORMATION IN RELATION TO HARVEST MATURITY AND CONTROLLED-ATMOSPHERE STORAGE OF 'GALA' APPLES

Submitted to: HortScience
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 6, 1994
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Volatile esters from acids and alcohols are important components of flavor and odor perception in apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). We are interested in understanding the biochemical basis for ester synthesis/flavor retention in 'Gala' apples held in controlled atmosphere storage. The relationship between acetyl CoA alcohol transferase (AAT) acetate ester-forming activity, non-ethylene volatile emission, and flesh volatile content of 'Gala' apples during the maturation period and after removal from CA storage was investigated. At the appropriate times, apples were sampled for volatile compounds in the headspace and flesh using solid sorbent alone with purge-and-trap capillary gas chromatography., Subsequently, acetate ester forming activity was assayed on partially-purified extracts of cortical tissue. During storage, the accumulation of the major flavor notes butyl acetate and 2-methyl butyl acetate in the flesh was decreased as oxygen levels in storage atmospheres were lowered. AAT activity is closely linked to the onset of climacteric ripening and is sensitive to atmospheres having low oxygen contents.