ISHS Acta Horticulturae 636: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Key Processes in the Growth and Cropping of Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees
ETHYLENE INTENSIFIES BUT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR METHYL JASMONATE-ENHANCED ANTHOCYANIN SYNTHESIS BY 'FUJI' APPLE FRUIT |
| Authors: | J.P. Mattheis, D.R. Rudell, D.A. Buchanan |
| Keywords: | Malus sylvestris var. domestica, color, chlorophyll, carotenoid, light stress, |
| Abstract:
Exogenous methyl jasmonate (MJ) stimulates anthocyanin accumulation in apple (Malus sylvestris var. domestica) fruit peel. Anthocyanin synthesis in some apple cultivars reportedly is also stimulated by exogenous ethylene, however, the role of ethylene action in regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in apple fruit is unclear. MJ enhances ethylene sensitivity in various plants, therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the role of ethylene and MJ in stimulation of anthocyanin synthesis in immature ‘Fuji’ apple fruit. Following ethylene and MJ treatments, fruit were exposed simultaneously to UV-B and visible light, then pigments were extracted and analyzed by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Treatment with MJ alone enhanced anthocyanin accumulation, including idaein, the major anthocyanin in apple fruit. Anthocyanin accumulation was further stimulated by treatment with MJ + ethylene. Treatment with the ethylene action inhibitor 1-MCP followed by MJ reduced red coloration over MJ alone. Treatment with ethylene or 1-MCP alone, or ethylene+1-MCP had little effect on anthocyanin accumulation. Chlorogenic acid synthesis was also enhanced by treatment with MJ or ethylene, however, treatment with 1-MCP alone or with MJ decreased chlorogenic acid content. MJ enhanced production of hyperin, the major quercetin glycoside in peel tissue, while ethylene and 1-MCP had no effect on quercetin glycoside content when applied alone or in any combination. ß-carotene synthesis was enhanced following MJ treatment, stimulated further by MJ plus ethylene, but was not enhanced by ethylene alone. The results indicate a synergistic response between ethylene and MJ for stimulation of anthocyanin synthesis. Treatments with ethylene alone or 1-MCP indicate a limited role for ethylene action in regulation of red color development by immature ‘Fuji’ apple fruit. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
