Influence of light exposure during storage on the content of sesquiterpene lactones and photosynthetic pigments in witloof chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi)

Light exposure during storage resulted in a higher respiration of the plant tissue as well as in a marked rise of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves rather than in the central axes. Furthermore, illumination during storage distinctly raised SL levels in the central axes, while SL levels in chicory leaves were less affected.