A method for measuring the respiration rate and respiratory quotient of detached plant tissues

• Published in: Postharvest biology and technology Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 263 - 270
• Main Authors: Bower, J.H, Jobling, J.J, Patterson, B.D, Ryan, D.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.1998
• Subjects: Banana; BANANAS; BANANE; BANANO; Climacteric; COCIENTE RESPIRATORIO; FISIOLOGIA POSTCOSECHA; PHYSIOLOGIE APRES RECOLTE; PLANT TISSUES; POSTHARVEST PHYSIOLOGY; QUOTIENT RESPIRATOIRE; RESPIRATION RATE; RESPIRATORY QUOTIENT; TASA DE RESPIRACION; TAUX DE RESPIRATION; TEJIDOS VEGETALES; TISSU VEGETAL; Respiration rate; Respiratory quotient; Climacteric; Banana
• ISSN: 0925-5214; 1873-2356
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-5214(98)00014-3

A `respirometer' is described. The atmosphere inside a container is monitored by sensors for O 2, CO 2 and temperature, and is refreshed with air or a special gas mixture once a specified amount of O 2 has been consumed by a plant tissue. The rate of respiration and respiratory quotient (RQ) are calculated. The system can measure respiration with an accuracy which is limited mainly by the precision of the sensors. Single measurements can be made in a few minutes, or the equipment set to monitor changes in respiration over periods of weeks. The units are easy and cheap to assemble, and several can be connected to a single controlling computer to allow replicate measurements. Changes in the respiration rates of ripening bananas were monitored over a 10-day period. The results had low levels of variance between measurements, were consistent between replicates, and were comparable with published data. Ways in which the apparatus can be used to measure respiration at different levels of O 2 and CO 2 are discussed.