Light exposure successfully prevented nitrate accumulation in minimally processed lettuce

Butter head lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), a leafy vegetable commonly used in salads is characterized by its ability to accumulate high level of nitrate. Accumulation of nitrate in the edible part of the plant causes nitrate toxicity. Indeed, use of artificial light during storage, exploring new approach to prevent accumulation of nitrate.? The objective of this study was to determine how light exposure during storage prevents accumulation of nitrate in butter head lettuce. Minimally processed lettuce in the form of leaf discs were stored in the dark and under fluorescent light at 5, 10 and 15 ?mol m-2s -1 at 10?C (95% RH) for 14 days. The light treatments were provided for 12 hour?s photo period. Light exposure during storage significantly prevented nitrate accumulation, delayed degradation of chlorophylls and extends shelf life. In contrast in the darkness, nitrate content was accumulated while chlorophyll level was degraded. The delayed accumulation of nitrate under light can be because of the higher accumulation of soluble sugars, as changes in nitrate level and soluble sugar were found reverse. In conclusion, light exposure in the level applied successfully prevented nitrate accumulation, increasing the level of soluble sugars and delayed loss of chlorophyll pigment. ? The picture corresponds to the Figure 1 of the original article - Figure 1 Overall Visual Quality scores in butter head lettuce leaf discs stored at dark and under fluorescent light at 5, 10 and 15 ?mol m-2s-1. The horizontal line represents limit of acceptability (shelf life) below which OVQ of fresh cut lettuce is not accepted by consumer. Source Nitrate Content in Minimally Processed Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as Affected by Fluorescent Light Exposure During StorageYewubnesh Wendimu Seifu Department of Plant Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Arsi University, Assela, EthiopiaJournal of Plant Biochemistry & Physiology, J Plant Biochem Physiol 2017, 5:2DOI: 10.4172/2329-9029.1000186 Research Article OMICS International