Temperature and Light-Dependent Quercetin Glycoside Transformation in Shallot Bulbs: Integrated Assessment of Bioactive Dynamics and Storage Quality
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2026.11293Keywords:
Allium ascalonicum L, Temperature, Light exposure, Quercetin glycoside, Bioactive retention, Postharvest storage, Allium ascalonicum L., Temperature, Light exposure, Quercetin glycoside, Bioactive retention, Postharvest storageAbstract
Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) contain valuable quercetin glycoside bioactive compounds that undergo complex transformations during postharvest storage. This study aimed to elucidate the transformation kinetics of individual quercetin compounds under different temperature-light combinations to optimize storage protocols for improved bioactive retention. Fresh shallot bulbs were stored using factorial combinations of temperature (15 vs 30 °C) and light conditions (darkness vs 18,000 lux). Individual quercetin compounds (quercetin 3,4’-diglucoside, quercetin 4’-glucoside, free quercetin, and quercetin 3-glucoside), reducing sugar content, and weight loss were monitored during storage. Temperature and light exhibited interactive effects on the kinetics of quercetin transformation. The combination of 15 °C with 18,000 lux illumination produced maximum free quercetin accumulation (27.00 g/kg dw) at day 12, substantially enhancing bioactive compound concentrations. Higher temperature (30 °C) accelerated conversion rates but reduced overall compound stability, with rapid degradation observed in later storage phases. Additionally, storage at 15 °C in darkness best maintains reducing sugar stability (64.51 mg/100 g dw), whereas storage at 30 °C with light exposure shows a steep decline to 32.89 mg/100 g dw, indicating metabolic instability. These findings provide insight into optimizing postharvest storage of Allium crops to retain functional compounds in tropical environments.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Temperature-light interactions control quercetin transformation
- 15 °C with light maximizes free quercetin
- Cool, dark storage best preserves reducing sugar stability
- High temperature (30 °C) increases bioactive conversion but reduces compound stability
- Temperature-light management protocols enhance bioactive retention
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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