Nitrate and nitrate reductase in papaw fruit

Abstract

Because high nitrate (NOs-) levels in Queensland-grown papaws (Garica papaya L.) cause severe detinning in canned fruit products, some factors affecting the level of nitrate
in this fruit have been examined. The presence of nitrate reductase was demonstrated in various parts of the fruit. The highest activity was found in the exocarp, with much lower activities in the mesocarp, endocarp and seeds.