The Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on Ethylene Production and Ethylene-Forming Enzyme Activity in Tomatoes

Abstract

Summary In immature and mature green tomatoes cvs. Modena and Bisena methyl jasmonate (Ja-Me) slightly stimulates ethylene production and greatly stimulates the synthesis or activity of the ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE), as measured by the production of ethylene after ACC application. Possibly the production of ethylene in these tissues is limited by the low level of endogenous ACC. A great stimulation of ethylene production was observed in immature green tomatoes when the disappearance of chlorophyll was evident after JA-Me treatment. The addition of exogenous ACC did not increase ethylene production. These observations suggest that both the EFE system and ACC synthase are activated under the influence of JA-Me. JA-Me stimulates ethylene production in ripe and overripe tomatoes, but the application of ACC only slightly increases ethylene production. These data suggest that JA-Me either stimulates EFE synthesis (activation), or inhibits the degradation (inactivation) of EFE in these stages of ripening, and that the production of endogenous ACC is sufficient for maximal production of ethylene by the EFE system.