Biosynthesis of carotenoids in bittermelon at high temperature

Abstract

Detached mature green bittermelon fruit were ripened at 25 and 35°to determine the influence of temperature on the biosynthesis of carotenoids in the fruit tissues. Carotenoid biosynthesis was inhibited in the seed aril at 35°. The production of α-carotene, α-cryptoxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and violaxanthin in the pericarp was not significantly affected at high temperature while β-carotene and the total carotenoids increased during the later stages of ripening at 35°. Carotenogenesis in the aril and in the pericarp responded differently to high temperature probably because the chromoplasts in the tissues metamorphose from different plastid types.

Source or Periodical Title

Phytochemistry

ISSN

319422

Page

275-280

Document Type

Article

Subject

Aril, Biosynthesis, Bittermelon, Carotenoids, Cucurbitaceae, Inhibition, Momordica charantia, Pericarp, Plastids, Temperature

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