Articles
Influences of fruit developmental stage on bioactive compounds and total chlorophyll content of Carpobrotus edulis L. fruit
Article number
1466_16
Pages
119 – 128
Language
English
Abstract
Sour fig (Carpobrotus edulis L.) is a medicinal and edible succulent halophyte belong to Aizoaceae family, native to the Eastern and Western Cape regions of South Africa.
The fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities and is consumed as fresh, dried, or processed into jam and food additives.
Currently, C. edulis fruits are harvested predominantly from the wild, with cultivation largely restricted to botanical gardens and recreational purposes.
Therefore, developing evidence-based production and harvesting strategies that maximize bioactive compound accumulation is essential to support domestication, commercial cultivation, and value addition.
Hence, this study evaluated the influence of fruit developmental stage on the bioactive compounds and chlorophyl content of C. edulis fruit.
Fruits were collected from two agroclimatic locations at two-week intervals over a 12-week period following fruit set.
Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), total chlorophyll content (TCC), and total colour difference (ΔE) were determined.
Fruit development resulted in a significant decline in TPC, TTC, and TCC at both locations.
At location A, TPC and TCC decreased to 2.90±0.19 mg GAE g‑1 FW and 1.55±0.17 mg g‑1 FW, respectively, by week 12. At location B, TPC declined from 6.30±0.11 to 4.88±0.12 mg GAE g‑1 FW. Total chlorophyll content decreased rapidly at both locations and fell below the detection limit by week 10. Overall, green unripe fruits (weeks 2-4) contained the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds, whereas ripe fruits (weeks 10-12) exhibited the highest colour change.
These findings provide a scientific basis for determining the optimal harvest stage according to the intended use of C. edulis fruit.
The fruit is a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities and is consumed as fresh, dried, or processed into jam and food additives.
Currently, C. edulis fruits are harvested predominantly from the wild, with cultivation largely restricted to botanical gardens and recreational purposes.
Therefore, developing evidence-based production and harvesting strategies that maximize bioactive compound accumulation is essential to support domestication, commercial cultivation, and value addition.
Hence, this study evaluated the influence of fruit developmental stage on the bioactive compounds and chlorophyl content of C. edulis fruit.
Fruits were collected from two agroclimatic locations at two-week intervals over a 12-week period following fruit set.
Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total tannin content (TTC), total chlorophyll content (TCC), and total colour difference (ΔE) were determined.
Fruit development resulted in a significant decline in TPC, TTC, and TCC at both locations.
At location A, TPC and TCC decreased to 2.90±0.19 mg GAE g‑1 FW and 1.55±0.17 mg g‑1 FW, respectively, by week 12. At location B, TPC declined from 6.30±0.11 to 4.88±0.12 mg GAE g‑1 FW. Total chlorophyll content decreased rapidly at both locations and fell below the detection limit by week 10. Overall, green unripe fruits (weeks 2-4) contained the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds, whereas ripe fruits (weeks 10-12) exhibited the highest colour change.
These findings provide a scientific basis for determining the optimal harvest stage according to the intended use of C. edulis fruit.
Publication
Authors
B. Mlambo, Z.A. Belay, F.R. Kutu, R.R. Mphahlele, O.J. Caleb
Keywords
total phenolic content, total flavonoid, total chlorophyll, harvesting stages
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