Discussion and analysis of methodologies for the study of the composition and biochemical carbohydrates changes in harvest and postharvest of onion bulbs

ABRAMETO, M.; POZZO ARDIZZI, C.M.; GIL, M.I.; MOLINA, L.M.

PHYTON - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY BA ARGENTINA

FUNDACION ROMULO RAGGIO

Año: 2010 p. 4 - 14

0031-9457

Purpose of review: Costly investments in storage and transport of onion bulbs make it increasingly important to identify cultivars with the best chance of long-term storage. This paper discuss laboratory procedures and results that include quantification of pungency, soluble solids, dry matter; rate of breath; carbohydrate catabolism related enzymes in different storage conditions in relation to results obtained by the authors and other researchers. Recent findings: The variability in parameters such as carbohydrate composition, pungency, soluble solids, soluble uronic acid concentration in water is growing dependent and defines the quality of onion bulbs at harvest time. Then during storage, can be modified by environmental conditions, presence of pathogens or termination of dormancy. In post harvest status indicators of dormancy are usually measured rooting percentage of emergence, percentage of sprouting. Future Research: While biochemical signals the end of dormancy, such as decreases in levels of sucrose, increased breathing rate, increased Exohidrolasa activity, increased rate of bulb softening enzyme, polygalacturonase Polimetilesterasa; still are being discussed, research is needed on environmental and chemical factors that reduce the rate of sprouting of the bulbs.