Carotenoid changes in Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. with age, in relation to the Large White Butterfly, Pieris brassicae L.

Abstract

SUMMARYComparison of summer, winter and spring-grown cabbage showed that carotene synthesis differed considerably. Spring-grown cabbage was found to produce a peak of carotenoids during the first week of growth, and this decreased after one month. In comparison, winter-grown cabbage was still producing more carotenoids after 1 month and came to a peak of carotenoid production between 1 and 2 months. The winter-grown cabbage plants were maintained for 12 months and it was found that oxidative processes occurred at a later date than in spring- and summer-grown plants. It is shown that total carotenoids and interconversions of carotenoids are a useful indication of the metabolic processes, including oxidation and degradation of carotenoids, occurring in maturing and senescing plants.The effect of variation of the vitamin A potent carotenoids in the cabbage, and the increased spring production of carotenoids in cabbage, are discussed in relation to the life style of P. brassicae.