Near-infrared reflection spectroscopy and partial least squares regression to predict α-farnesene and conjugated trienol content in apples during storage

Authors
Daniela Eisensteckena, Stefan Stürz, Peter Robatscher, Christian W. Huck, Angelo Zanella, Michael Oberhuber

Abstract
The synthesis of a-farnesene and its degradation to the corresponding oxidation products such as
conjugated trienols (CTols) in apple skins is strongly correlated with the incidence of superficial scald, a
physiological disorder occurring in apple during and after storage. This study aimed to evaluate the
potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the prediction of a-farnesene and CTols (CT258 and
CT281) content, developing a rapid and non-invasive method to support the postharvest decision
systems. Applying partial least squares (PLS) regression, positive correlations were found for a-farnesene
and CTols obtaining correlation coefficients of calibration (rcal) above 0.90. The calibration model for one
apple variety was validated with apples from a second season resulting in correlation coefficients of
validation (rval) of 0.51, 0.71 and 0.76 for a-farnesene, CT258 and CT281, respectively. A global calibration
model including two cultivars and two growing seasons led to standard errors of prediction (SEP) of 139,
60 and 59 mmol m2 for a-farnesene, CT258 and CT281, respectively. These results demonstrate the
potential of NIRS for rapid and non-destructive prediction of the scald-disorder-related compounds
a-farnesene and CTols in apple fruit.

Links

Postharvest Biology and Technology
The article was published in "Postharvest Biology and Technology" please follow this link in order to see the full text, or contact Dr. Angelo Zanella
Activity type
Publication in scientific journal (peer review)
Activity work package
Fruit quality; improvement of fruit handling/storage
Activity number
Laimburg-WP4-A15
Activity contact
Dr. Angelo Zanella
Laimburg Research Centre
Laimburg 6 - Pfatten
I-39040 Post Auer (BZ), Italy
[email protected]
Activity partner
Laimburg Research Centre
Activity country
Italy
Last edit
06-03-2017
The EUFRUIT thematic network has received funding from the
European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
under grant agreement No 696337.