DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i03.002

Pages: 177-180

Activities of the cell wall degrading enzymes cellulase, polygalacturonase, and β-galactosidase were determined on unripe, semi-ripe, and ripe raspberry (Rubus caesius L.) fruit. The enzyme activity, measured as µmoles of released product.g-1 of fruit h-1 indicated the presence of polygalacturonase, cellulose, and β-galactosidase in raspberry fruit. Enhanced fruit ripening was reflected by increased values for cellulase, polygalacturonase abd β- galactosidase activity. In raspberry cellulose, polygalacturonase, and βgalactosidase appear to be involved in fruit softening during unripe to the ripe stages.