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Permanent gases inside healthy and microbially infected cotton fruit during development
T J Jacks1, T P Hensarling, M G Legendre
1Southern Regional Research Center, ARS, USDA, New Orleans, LA 70179.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|March 31, 1993
Summary
The gas composition within developing cotton fruit differs significantly from canopy air, with carbon dioxide levels increasing during aggressive fungal infections. Respiration primarily drives these internal gas dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Agricultural Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Developing cotton fruit (Gossypium hirsutum L.) harbors a unique internal atmosphere distinct from the surrounding plant canopy.
- Understanding the gaseous composition within fruit is crucial for comprehending plant respiration and responses to environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the quantitative composition of permanent gases within developing cotton fruit.
- To investigate the influence of light exposure, fruit age, and microbial infections on fruit gas composition.
- To elucidate the role of respiration in maintaining the internal fruit atmosphere.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography was employed to analyze the composition of permanent gases (nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide) within cotton fruit.
- Samples were collected from developing fruit under various conditions: different light exposures, fruit ages, and controlled infections (Erwinia, Aspergillus).
- Respiration rates were considered in conjunction with gas composition data.
Main Results:
- Cotton fruit gas composition by weight: 46% nitrogen, 29% oxygen, 4% argon, and 20% carbon dioxide.
- Plant canopy air composition: 73% nitrogen, 25% oxygen, 2% argon, and 0.3% carbon dioxide.
- Aggressive Aspergillus infection significantly increased fruit carbon dioxide to 31% and decreased oxygen to 17%.
- Light exposure, fruit age, and mild Erwinia infection showed no significant effect on fruit gas composition.
Conclusions:
- Developing cotton fruit maintains a distinct internal gas environment characterized by higher carbon dioxide and lower nitrogen/oxygen compared to canopy air.
- Aggressive fungal infections drastically alter fruit gas composition, highlighting a potential mechanism for disease impact.
- Respiration is the primary driver of fruit gas composition, with oxygen replenishment being critical, except during severe pathological conditions.
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