Carotenoid biosynthesis in durian pulp

Abstract

AbstractDurian (Durio zibethinus Murray) is an important economic crop in Southeast Asian countries. Analysis of the composition of durian pulp indicates that it has high nutraceutical value that is related to the presence of bioactive antioxidant compounds, with carotenoids being one of the important constituents. The major carotenoids are β‐ and α‐carotene, with the minor carotenoids being lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoid biosynthesis in durian pulp involves the coordinated expression of many genes with at least nine genes encoding enzymes having been identified. Carotenoid accumulation increases as fruit maturity advances and is highest in ripe fruit. The concentration of carotenoids in ripe durian pulp varies among cultivars. Ripening‐induced carotenoid accumulation is regulated by endogenous ethylene that controls the expression of key genes.