Effect of preharvest chitosan application on bioactive compounds of and sunflower sprouts during storage

Abstract

The effects of preharvest chitosan treatments on antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds of sunflower sprouts during cold storage were investigated. The sprouts were watered with 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 % (w/v) chitosan solutions prior harvest 24 h. After harvest, the sprouts were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 9 d. The investigated parameters were visual appearance, antioxidant activities such as ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), DPPH radical scavenging (DFRS) activity and bioactive compounds including total phenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid concentrations. The visual appearance of the sprouts of all treatments was maintained during storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 9 d. Preharvest chitosan treatment enhanced antioxidant and DFRS activities, total phenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid contents of the sprouts, especially at 0.1 % chitosan. During the storage, 1.0 % chitosan treatment induced FRAP, DFRS activity and all bioactive compounds rather than others treatments. These suggest that preharvest chitosan treatment is an effective alternative improving nutritional quality of the sunflower sprouts during cold storage.