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A study of ethylene in apple, red raspberry, and cherry
1Department of Pomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850.
Plant Physiology
|April 1, 1972
Summary
High ethylene levels correlate with flower and fruit drop in apples and cherries. Ethylene increases significantly during apple and raspberry ripening but remains low in cherries, suggesting varied roles in fruit development.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Horticultural Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ethylene is a plant hormone known to influence various developmental processes, including fruit ripening and abscission.
- Previous studies have suggested a role for ethylene in fruit drop, but specific associations across different species and fruit development stages require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between ethylene levels and fruit abscission (flower and harvest drop) in apple, cherry, and red raspberry.
- To determine ethylene production patterns during fruit ripening in these species.
- To explore potential ethylene gradients between fruit tissues.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of ethylene levels in flower and fruit tissues of apple, cherry, and red raspberry at different developmental stages.
- Correlation analysis between ethylene concentrations and observed abscission events.
- Measurement of ethylene production in specific fruit tissues during ripening.
Main Results:
- High ethylene levels were linked to flower and harvest drop in apples and cherries, and harvest drop in red raspberries.
- Ethylene was not associated with "June drop" in apples or harvest drop in cherries.
- Significant ethylene increases were observed in apple flesh and red raspberry receptacular tissue during ripening, while cherry ethylene levels remained low.
- Evidence of ethylene gradients between adjacent fruit tissues was found.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene plays a role in fruit abscission and ripening, but its involvement varies significantly among apple, cherry, and raspberry species.
- Tissue-specific ethylene production and diffusion dynamics are critical factors influencing fruit development and abscission events.
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