Relationship between pollination and cell wall properties in common fig fruit.
Mehdi Trad1, Christian Ginies2, Badii Gaaliche1
1UR Agrobiodiversity, High Agronomic Institute, IRESA-University of Sousse, 4042 Chott-Mariem, Tunisia.
Phytochemistry
|January 8, 2014
Summary
Pollination is crucial for fig (Ficus carica) fruit development, increasing size and influencing cell wall properties. While fruit weight and thickness are enhanced, major changes in cell wall composition are minor, with pollination impacting pectin methylation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Fruit Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Most Ficus carica varieties require pollination for proper fruit development and quality.
- Ripe figs exhibit significant softening and loss of cell wall cohesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pollination on fig fruit cell wall behavior and composition during maturation.
- To understand how pollination influences fruit physical properties and cell wall chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cell wall composition, including alcohol insoluble solids (AIS), uronic acids, pectin methylation degree (DM), and neutral sugars.
- Comparison of pollinated versus non-pollinated fig fruits at maturity.
Main Results:
- Pollination significantly increased peel and flesh thickness, fresh weight, and dry matter content.
- Uronic acid concentrations were higher in the peel AIS of pollinated fruits.
- Pectin methylation degree (DM) increased with pollination, affecting textural properties.
Conclusions:
- Pollination is essential for fig fruit enlargement and softening, with fertile seeds potentially stimulating hormonal activity.
- Minor changes in cell wall composition were observed, primarily related to pectin modifications.
- Pollination influences key enzymes like polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) involved in cell wall depolymerization.
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