Effect of nitric oxide on browning and lignification of peeled bamboo shoots

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on browning and lignification of bamboo shoots were investigated. Bamboo shoots were dipped for 1 h in 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor, then packed in 0.01 mm thick polyethylene bags, and stored for 10 days at 10 °C. SNP treatment inhibited activities of PPO, POD and PAL and maintained high total phenol contents, thus delaying external browning during storage. Furthermore, SNP treatment showed a significant inhibition of the synthesis of lignin and cellulose and delayed tissue lignification, indicating that application of NO may be a promising method for extending shelf-life and maintaining quality of peeled bamboo shoots.