The same (although only for β-carotene) apparently has only been reported previously in papaya fruit (Fabi et al., 2007). Regulation of α-carotene accumulation by endogenous ethylene seemingly has not been reported before.
It is concluded that α- and β-carotene accumulation during postharvest ripening is regulated by endogenous ethylene. The highest α- and β carotene concentrations are found in fruit that was ready for consumption (by day 5-9 of storage in the present experiments). Furthermore, the early small increase in zeaxanthin concentrations was regulated by endogenous ethylene. The data suggested that the increase in carotenoid concentrations is an ethylene-regulated ripening process in pulp of durian fruit.