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Changes in Chlorophyll a, b, and the a/b Ratio during Color Development in Citrus Fruit1

1976; American Society for Horticultural Science; Volume: 101; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.21273/jashs.101.4.416

2327-9788

Otto L. Jahn, Roger A. Young,

Botanical Research and Applications

Abstract Light-reflectance measurements at 648-740 and 674-740 nm decreased as chlorophyll was lost during the maturation and degreening of citrus fruits. The difference between these measurements changed as the chlorophyll level declined. This change was shown as an initial decrease followed by an increase in 648-674 nm measurements. Analyses of rind samples revealed changes in the relative concentration of chlorophyll a and b and consequent decreases in the a/b ratio as total chlorophyll levels decreased. Formulas were developed to convert light-reflectance readings at 674-740 and 648-740 nm to concentration of chlorophyll a and b in the tissue. The greater resistance of chlorophyll b to degradation during color development may explain the difficulty of satisfactorily degreening some fruit and may serve as a basis in selecting for improved coloring characteristics.