Effects of exogenous ABA on translocation of photosynthate to fruit of Fuji apple during late stage of fruit rapid-swelling.

Abstract

To clarify the effects and underlying mechanism of ABA on sugar accumulation in apple fruits, 13C trace technique was used to examined the effects of different ABA levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg·L-1) and fluoridone (ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) on translocation of photosynthate to fruit during late stage of fruit rapid-swelling in five-year-old 'Yanfu3'/M26/Malus hupehensis Rehd. The results showed that the activities of related enzyme in sugar metabolism, the relative expression of sucrose transporter gene MdSUT1, MdSUT2.2 and sorbitol transporter gene MdSOT3 tended to increase first and then decrease with increasing ABA concentration, with a peak in 100 mg·L-1ABA treatment. Fluridone treatment significantly inhibited the enzymes activities of sugar metabolism and the relative expression of sugar transporters. The treatment of 100 mg·L-1ABA significantly reduced leaf 13C content, increased fruit 13C content and increased the transport rate of photosynthate from leaves to fruits compared with other treatments. Our results indicated that exogenous ABA enhanced sink strength of fruit and promoted the transportation of more photosynthate to fruits, which increased the soluble sugar content in fruits.