Respiration rate and ethylene production in inflorescence buds of pistachio in relation to alternate bearing

Abstract

Respiration rate and ethylene production were measured in inflorescence buds and the surrounding tissue on fruiting and non-fruiting trees of pistachio ( Pistacia vera cultivar ‘Aegenes’). The buds from fruiting trees had higher respiration rates than non-fruiting ones, before and during the abscission period. In contrast, the ethylene production in buds was not significantly different between fruiting and non-fruiting trees. The results indicate that in inflorescence buds, an increased respiration preceded their abscission, and that endogenous ethylene production is not related to bud abscission in pistachio.