Increasing catechin and procyanindin accumulation in high-CO 2-treated Fragaria vesca strawberries

This paper deals with the impact of low temperature and high CO 2 levels on flavonols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins, synthesized via branched pathways from common precursors, in strawberries (Fragaria vesca L.). Flavonoids were identified with Q-TOF equipment and quantified by HPLC-quadrupole. Proanthocyanins B1 and B3 accumulated in CO 2-treated strawberries, whereas in untreated (air) fruit, flavonoid production was redirected toward anthocyanin accumulation with a sharp decrease in catechin and procyanidin B3 levels. Moreover, in CO 2-treated fruit, mainly in those with 20% CO 2, anthocyanin accumulation did not decline. Due to its antifungal activity, catechin induction in CO 2-treated strawberries could explain the capacity of high CO 2 treatments to reduce fungal decay. Ascorbic acid content increased in 40% CO 2-treated fruits, whereas in those treated with 20% CO 2 an increase in flavonol content was observed. Despite these differences, similar antioxidant capacities were found in untreated and CO 2-treated Mara de Bois strawberries. © 2012 American Chemical Society.Peer Reviewe