Histochemical Localization of Enzymes in the Abscission Zones of Maturing Sour and Sweet Cherry Fruit1

Abstract

Abstract Dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and peroxidase activities were localized histochemically in the lower (pedicel-fruit) abscission zones of sour (Prunus cerasus L.) and sweet (Prunus avium L.) cherry fruits. Highest enzyme activity generally occurred at the juncture of the receptacle and fruit tissues; the region where separation occurred. Both species had a similar peroxidase isozyme pattern; however, 2 bands in sweet cherry had lower intensities than sour cherry. The implications of localized activities of these enzymes in cherry fruit abscission are discussed.