Effects of Carbon Dioxide Enrichment on Acid Invertase and Sugar Concentration in Developing Tomato Fruit.

Abstract

The effects of CO2 enrichment (700-900 ppmv) on the sugar concentration and acid invertase activities in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Lady First) fruits were studied. The CO2-enriched fruits contained significantly higher concentrations of glucose and fructose than the control (250-400 ppmv). There was no significant difference in sucrose concentration. The acid invertase in soluble fraction showed higher activity than that in the cell wall bound fraction. The increase in invertase activity from 50 days after anthesis was accompanied with the changes in reducing sugar concentrations. Further-more, the CO2-enriched fruit showed higher invertase activity than the control. It is concluded that CO2 enrichment improves sugar concentration and enhance fruit color due to increasing photosynthesis as shown by the elevated invertase activity.