Vol.06. Nos.1 - 2 (2007) pp.51-60
Title:

Amylolytic breakdown of storage starch in felled bamboo culms during post-harvest period

Authors:Bhat, K.V; Kumar, K.S; Sumesh, P.M; Renjithkumar, K.S; Kallarackal, J

Abstract:The gradual reduction in starch content noticed in culms of Bambusa bambos and Dendrocalamus strictus during post-harvest period was examined in detail by analyzing the activity of amylase and the respiratory enzyme succinate dehydrogenase within the tissues of harvested culms. The cut ends of the harvested bamboo segments which dried up quickly under ambient conditions and the nodal portions showed only little reduction in starch content. However, there was appreciable reduction in starch content in remaining portions of harvested culms which continued for over a week, after harvesting. Activity of l)-amyJase which was, in general, moderate on day-2 increased to maximum in a week, then gradually deelined towards the end of the following week. The reduction in storage starch is thus attributed to the activity of ~-amylase found in the living tissues of the culms. It is suggested that the sugars released from the amylolytic activity are utilized for continued respiration occurring in living tissues of the culm. Evidently, to minimize borer damage, it is advantageous to store harvested bamboo culms in shade for a certain length of time, than utilizing them fresh.

Keywords:amylases; beta-amylase; chemical composition; enzyme activi

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