Translocation of carbohydrates and proline in young grapefruit trees at low temperatures

Girdling and defoliation of fruit-bearing grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) branches inhibited the accumulation of soluble carbohydrates and proline in fruit tissues during low temperature treatment of trees. These treatments did not inhibit hydrolysis of sucrose to reducing sugars. Flavedo and albedo tissues responded similarly to low temperatures but little or no change occurred in the juice. Therefore, soluble carbohydrates and proline do not appear to interchange between different tissues of the fruit at low temperatures but instead are translocated into the fruit from other parts of the plant. Girdling fruit-bearing branches immediately after low temperature treatments inhibited the accumulation of sucrose in fruit tissues at dehardening temperatures. Also, proline levels decreased rapidly in fruit on girdled branches at dehardening temperatures. This rapid decrease suggests proline may serve as a source for respiratory energy in grapefruit during rapidly changing temperatures that favor active growth and during recovery of citrus from environmental stress.