Characterization of Major Plastid Pigments in Skin of ‘Mission’ Fig Fruits1

Abstract

Plastid pigments in the fruit skin of fig (Ficus carica L. cv. Mission) were extracted in acetone:0.1 N NH4OH (9:1 v/v) and purified by thin layer chromatography. Spectral analysis indicated the pigments were chlorophylls a and b, β-carotene, lutein, violaxanthin, and neoxanthin. These constituents were similar to those found in the leaves. Carotenoids present in the skin of bluish-black mature fruits were the same as those present in green, immature fruits.