Abstract
ABSTRACTFruits of rin and nor tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) mutants do not develop normal pigmentation and undergo normal ripening. The effects of ethephon, light and O2 on color development and carotenoid levels in harvested fruits were determined. Increasing concentration of ethephon increased red surface color (color difference meter a values). The addition of light greatly enhanced red color development. Fruits of rin were more responsive to light and ethephon than were fruits of nor. Oxygen (100%) enhanced color development in nor fruits held in dark conditions, but it was detrimental to ethephon induced color development in both rin and nor fruits exposed to light. Ethephon and light each substantially enhanced beta‐carotene and lycopene levels. Fruits exposed to both ethephon and light had further increases in beta‐carotene and lycopene levels. In rin and nor fruits, it appears that light and ethylene are important in stimulating carotenoid synthesis and regulating levels of particular carotenoids.
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