Abstract
The role of melatonin during the growth and ripening of apple fruit was studied using local varieties. The evolution of the growth and ripening parameters, including fruit size and weight, firmness, color change, sugar content, and ethylene production, was different in the five varieties studied, with yellow apples (Reineta and Golden) initiating the ripening process earlier than reddish ones (Teórica, Sanroqueña, and Caguleira). Changes in the melatonin and melatonin isomer 2 contents during growth and ripening were studied in Golden apples, as was the effect of the melatonin treatment (500 µM, day 124 post-anthesis) on the apple tree. Melatonin content varied greatly, with higher value in the skin than in the flesh. In the skin, melatonin increased at day 132 post-anthesis, when ethylene synthesis started. In the flesh, melatonin levels were high at the beginning of the growth phase and at the end of ripening. Melatonin isomer 2 was also higher once the ripening started and when ethylene began to increase. The melatonin treatment significantly advanced the ethylene production and increased the fruit size, weight, sugar content, and firmness. The data suggest that melatonin stimulates fruit ripening through the induction of ethylene synthesis, while melatonin treatments before ripening improve the final fruit quality.
Highlights
IntroductionApples are one of the most widely grown and consumed fruits across the world
Apples are one of the most widely grown and consumed fruits across the world.Currently, their production reaches 87 million tons, which makes them of great commercial importance
The results showed that the application of melatonin to the apple tree led to a 13-day advance in ethylene production compared to the control treatment, while the levels of this phytohormone were higher
Summary
Apples are one of the most widely grown and consumed fruits across the world Their production reaches 87 million tons, which makes them of great commercial importance. In addition to their nutritional value, many studies have highlighted the health-promoting properties of apples due to the presence of different active components, such as vitamins, minerals, and high concentrations of phenolic compounds [1–3]. Each stage is under the control of multiple factors, both endogenous and exogenous Among the former, hormones play a key role throughout the process of fruit development and ripening [7,10]. During the early stages of developmental, hormonal control over the cell cycle and energy supply are the determining factors affecting the final fruit size and quality [11]. Regarding the maturation stage, the apple acquires its final size and the competence to ripen, attaining this stage even without the need of the mother plant
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
