UV-B treatment controls chlorophyll degradation and related gene expression in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Italica Group) florets during storage

Control of chlorophyll (Chl) degradation and related gene expression in response to UV-B treatment were investigated in broccoli florets during storage. Reductions in hue angle value and Chl content in broccoli florets during storage at 4, 15 and 25 degrees C were delayed with 19 kJ m(-2) of UV-B irradiation. Furthermore, up-regulation of BoSGR and BoNYC1, Chl-degrading genes, was found with floret yellowing in the control during storage at 15 degrees C. In contrast, expression of those genes in UV-B-treated broccoli florets were effectively suppressed during storage, suggesting that UV-B treatment could be useful for quality maintenance of broccoli florets during storage.