ISHS Acta Horticulturae 713: VI International Peach Symposium
SOLAR RADIATION AFFECTS ´STARK REDGOLD´ NECTARINE FRUIT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT |
| Authors: | C. Iacona, M. Bernardini, F. Loreti, R. Muleo |
| Keywords: | Prunus persica, nectarine, light effect, fruit development regulation, carbohydrates, cell division, anthocyanin |
| Abstract:
The effect of solar radiation deprival on development and growth of ‘Stark Redgold’ nectarine fruits, obtained covering fruits individually, at three different periods during stage II and III of fruit growth, was evaluated. Fruit fresh and dry weight, fruit size, percentage and dry mass, epidermal anthocyanin content, total amount of protein per dry weight of flesh and starch were affected by the period of darkness. Fruits covered for different lengths of time showed a marked variation in accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates as compared to values observed in the constantly exposed control fruits. Sucrose and sorbitol amount decreased in covered fruits, while glucose and fructose amount enhanced. Light deprivation also affected cell division and cell enlargement of the equatorial plane of the fruit mesocarp. Cell size variation was found to be a function of the period of fruit covering, suggesting that darkness decreases the rhythm of cell division and affects cell enlargement in flesh. Overall results indicated that solar incident radiation may play a regulative role in fruit growth and development irrespectively of the energy source. | |
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