Pigment Changes in Parsley Leaves during Storage in Controlled or Ethylene Containing Atmosphere

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pigments were monitored in parsley leaves stored in air, air + 10 ppm C 2 H 4 , or 10% O 2 + 10% CO 2 controlled atmosphere (CA). Chlorophylls a and b, as determined with HPLC, decreased sharply in leaves held in air or air + 10 ppm C 2 H 4 . The decrease was less in leaves held in 10% O 2 and 10% CO 2 CA. The oxidized product of chlorophyll a, 10‐hydroxychlorophyll a, did not accumulate and chlo‐rophyllide accumulated minimally. Xanthophylls decreased but new pigments, suspected to be esterified xanthophylls, formed with yellowing of leaves. Neither the pathway of Chl degradation or xantho‐phyll products were altered by C 2 H 4 or CA.