Citrus Tamurana Research Articles

Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka (Hyuganatsu orange)-derived arabinogalactan suppresses bone turnover in postmenopausal women: A randomized placebo-controlled study.

To evaluate Hyuganatsu oranges (Citrus tamurana Hort. Ex Tanaka) derived arabinogalactan for bone turnover, we performed a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Sixty-three postmenopausal women were age-stratified and randomly assigned to receive arabinogalactan-rich hyuganatsu juice (study group) or a placebo drink (control group) for 90 days. We measured blood tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b), type I procollagen N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), and other bone turnover biomarker levels at baseline, days 45 and 90 (T90) of the intervention, and day 30 of recovery. Cumulative effects were compared between groups using repeated-measures linear mixed model analysis. The primary endpoint was the difference between the pre- and post-intervention TRACP5b and P1NP levels. Using repeated measures linear mixed model analysis, the study group had significantly lower TRACP5b and P1NP levels at day 90 than the control group (mean [95% confidence interval]; TRACP5b: 310.0 [269.2-350.9] vs. 386.4 [341.2-431.6] mU/dL; P1NP: 53.7 [48.6-58.7] vs. 70.3 [64.1-76.4] ng/mL), whereas other biomarker levels showed no change. Arabinogalactan-rich Hyuganatsu juice suppressed bone mineral turnover and potentially improved ovarian hormone deficiency-induced osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Relationship between the Abundance of Native Honey Bee Species (<i>Apis cerana</i>) and Distance to Natural Forests in Hyuganatsu (<i>Citrus tamurana</i>) Orchards in Aya Town, Japan

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the ecosystem services of pollination offered by native honey bees (Apis cerana) and the distance to natural forests (as an indicator of landscape structure) in hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) orchards in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Two statistical models were developed to predict the number of visits of native honey bees to hyuganatsu tree. The area-distaince model (AD-model) considered the area of natural forests and distance from natural forests and the area model (A-model) considered the total area of the surrounding natural forests, and the results of the two models were compared. The estimated parameters of both models suggested a positive effect of natural forests on pollination services. Further, the estimated effect of the landscape structure of the AD-model was greater than that of the A-model. These results suggested that the distance to natural forests is an important landscape factor for evaluating pollination services by native honey bees.

Estimating the Mode of Unreduced Gamete Formation in <i>Citrus tamurana</i> hort. ex Tanaka by Fine Genotyping of 4x Embryos and 6x Endosperms

Estimating the Mode of Unreduced Gamete Formation in <i>Citrus tamurana</i> hort. ex Tanaka by Fine Genotyping of 4x Embryos and 6x Endosperms

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis of Citrus Germplasm with Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers

Citrus (Citrus sp.) germplasm collections are a valuable resource for citrus genetic breeding studies, and further utilization of the resource requires knowledge of their genotypic and phylogenetic relationships. Diverse citrus accessions, including citron (Citrus medica), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), pummelo (Citrus maxima), papeda (Papeda sp.), trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), kumquat (Fortunella sp.), and related species, have been housed at the Florida Citrus Arboretum, Winter Haven, FL, but the accessions in the collection have not been genotyped. In this study, a collection of 80 citrus accessions were genotyped using 1536 sweet orange–derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, to determine their SNP fingerprints and to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships, and thereby to test the efficiency of using the single genotype-derived SNP chip with relatively low cost for these analyses. Phylogenetic relationships among the 80 accessions were determined by multivariate analysis. A model-based clustering program detected five basic groups and revealed that C. maxima introgressions varied among mandarin cultivars and segregated in mandarin F1 progeny. In addition, reciprocal differences in C. maxima contributions were observed among citranges (Citrus sinensis × P. trifoliata vs. P. trifoliata × C. sinensis) and may be caused by the influence of cytoplasmic DNA and its effect on selection of cultivars. Inferred admixture structures of many secondary citrus species and important cultivars were confirmed or revealed, including ‘Bergamot’ sour orange (Citrus aurantium), ‘Kinkoji’ (C. reticulata × Citrus paradisi), ‘Hyuganatsu’ orange (Citrus tamurana), and palestine sweet lime (Citrus aurantifolia). The relatively inexpensive SNP array used in this study generated informative genotyping data and led to good consensus and correlations with previously published observations based on whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. The genotyping data and the phylogenetic results may facilitate further exploitation of interesting genotypes in the collection and additional understanding of phylogenetic relationships in citrus.

Evaluation of The Relationship between Abundance of Pollinators and Landscape Structure in Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) Orchards in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture

Evaluation of The Relationship between Abundance of Pollinators and Landscape Structure in Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) Orchards in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture

In Vitro Self-incompatible-like Response Applied for Protein Identification and Gene Expression Analysis in Citrus Cultivars, Banpeiyu and Hyuganatsu

Self-incompatibility (SI) is an important mechanism in higher plants that promotes outcrossing and prevents self-fertilization. ‘Banpeiyu’ (Citrus maxima) and ‘Hyuganatsu’ (Citrus tamurana), two of the Citrus cultivars distributed in Kyusyu, Japan, show gametophytic SI. In this study, we used the Citrus mature pollen culture system and stylar crude protein extracts to simulate compatible (C) and SI responses in ‘Banpeiyu’ pollen tubes. We analyzed the protein changes in pollen tubes with the C- and SI-like treatments by nano-liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (nano-LC-MS); 14 and 27 proteins were identified in C- and SI-like treatments, respectively. We picked up some candidate genes that were particularly prevalent in SI-like treatment and analyzed their expression level changes during C- and SI-like treatments in ‘Banpeiyu’ and ‘Hyuganatsu’ pollen tubes. The expression levels of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), manganese SOD (Mn SOD), catalase (CAT), and cysteine protease (CYP) increased after SI-like treatment. We used a fluorescent probe to visualize reactive oxygen species (ROS) level changes in ‘Banpeiyu’ and ‘Hyuganatsu’ pollen tubes after C- and SI-like treatments and found that 2-hour SI-like treatment induced ROS levels to increase in the pollen tubes of both cultivars. These results suggest that an ROS increase could be one of the key phenomena in the SI response of Citrus and that gene expression changes were responses to ROS generation.

ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSED PROTEINS IN THE POLLEN TUBE OCCURRING SELF-INCOMPATIBLE RESPONSE USING MASS OR SINGLE-CULTURE SYSTEM OF MATURE POLLEN IN CITRUS

To analyze the protein expression of pollen grains and tubes having self-incompatible reactions in Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka), we cultured mature pollen and treated it with crude extracts from the styles using a mass or single liquid culture system, and we collected pollen grains and tubes for proteome analysis. The relative expression of each identified protein was quantified by an imager and revealed as a value relative to the pollen grain. Eleven identified proteins were remarkably up-regulated (above 1.2-fold) or down-regulated (under 0.8-fold) in treatment with self-incompatible reactions. Eight of these proteins were predicted to be self-incompatible-related proteins with the reported functions. In this study, F-box protein was identified as showing minimum expression in the treatment with crude extracts from styles of Hyuganatsu (self-incompatible reactions). The S-locus gene product expressed in pollen has been identified as an F-box protein in Solanaceae and Rosaceae. It is not clear whether a mechanism similar to that of Solanaceae and Rosaceae exists in the self-incompatible reaction in Hyuganatsu; however, the reduced expression of F-box protein may induce a self-incompatible reaction.

Revealing the mechanism of in vitro wound healing properties of Citrus tamurana extract.

In the present investigation, we examined the effect of Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) extract (HE) on skin fibroblast (TIG-119) proliferation and migration during in vitro wound healing. HE selectively inhibited proliferation of TIG-119 cells at higher concentration (>1.0 mg/mL); at lower concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/mL), it exhibited linear and time-dependent cell proliferation. In vitro scratch wound healing studies showed that the HE also accelerated the migration of cells towards the wounded region. Cytometric analysis demonstrated that HE extract did not alter G1/0 and S phases of cell cycle in any concentration studied; however, G2/M phases of cell cycle were significantly (P < 0.05) accelerated at 0.75 mg/mL dose. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis indicated that HE markedly overexpressed levels of Rac-1, Rho-A, and Cdc-42 mRNA and the respective proteins. Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk-1 and -2) gene expression activity was significantly (P < 0.05) increased, but protein content decreased during treatment with HE. The induction of Cdk-1 and -2 by HE was abolished by inhibitors, transcription (DRB), and translation (CHX), implying transcriptional regulation that required de novo protein synthesis.

Hyuganatsu Orange (Citrus tamuranaHort. Ex Tanaka) Contains a Water Soluble Substance That Suppresses Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats

We investigated whether Hyuganatsu orange (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka) contains water and acetic-acid soluble substances that increase bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomized rats. In in vivo study, femoral BMD can significantly increased. In in vitro study, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive cells significantly decreased. We speculate that Hyuganatsu orange contains biologically active substances other than hesperidin that increase BMD.

Comprehensive Analysis of Expressed Proteins in the Different Stages of the Style Development of Self-incompatible ‘Hyuganatsu’ (Citrus tamurana hort. ex Tanaka)

In Citrus, self-incompatibility (SI) regulation is gametophytic, and this phenomenon is an economically critical problem for some Citrus cultivars without high parthenocarpic ability. Few molecular biological studies of SI in Citrus have been performed, and the molecular mechanism of SI has not been clarified. To investigate the effect of different stages of style development on pollen tube behavior, flower buds of self-incompatible ‘Hyuganatsu’ (Citrus tamurana hort. ex Tanaka) were histologically assayed. When the flower buds were observed 168 hours after pollination, pollen tubes in the self-pollinated flower buds 1 and 3 days before anthesis (DBA) were arrested in the upper part of the styles, while those in flower buds self-pollinated 5 DBA reached the base of the styles. These results revealed that SI in ‘Hyuganatsu’ has not yet occurred in the flower buds 5 DBA, but generated in the flower buds 3 DBA. To search SI-related pistil proteins in Citrus, we profiled a number of protein expressions in ‘Hyuganatsu’ styles of 1, 3, and 5 DBA by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. One-hundred thirty-eight protein spots were significantly different in abundance among the three stages, and 17 up-regulated and 26 down-regulated protein spots could be identified. Among the 17 up-regulated proteins, nine up-regulated proteins exhibited the expression pattern of 1 DBA ≥ 3 DBA > 5 DBA, a pattern which reflected the transmission from SC to SI, evaluated by pollen tube growth. BLASTP homology search against the peptide sequences of these proteins was carried out and predicted the proteins related to the maintenance of cell shape, the signaling of pollen tube growth, the flavonol biosynthesis, the responses to various stresses, photosynthesis, and the methionine metabolic process. Among the nine proteins, some may be the SI-related pistil proteins; however, it was not possible to determine the SI-related key protein of the style in Citrus.

Reproductive Characteristics for Self-compatibility and Seedlessness in ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’, a Bud Mutation of Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana hort. ex Tanaka)

The reproductive characteristics of ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’, a bud mutation of Hyuganatsu that is self-incompatible, were examined. A pollination experiment resulted in Hyuganatsu × ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ and ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ self-pollination produced their fruit, whereas ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ × Hyuganatsu cannot produce fruit as a result of early dropping of premature fruits within the first 10 weeks after pollination. Considering the self-incompatible nature of Hyuganatsu, this result implies a mutation of the pollen-expressed gene(s) associated with the self-incompatibility occurring in ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’. When ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ pollen was used for several citrus accessions (Hyuganatsu, ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’, Hassaku, and ‘Sweet Spring’), it was observed that the number of normal seeds decreased and that of aborted seeds increased. Interestingly, the extent of seed abortion differed among seed parents. Hyuganatsu and ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ lost most of their normal seeds. In contrast, Hassaku lost relatively lesser seeds, and ‘Sweet Spring’ lost only a few seeds. Moreover, Hassaku fruits obtained by pollination with ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ pollen showed various proportions of normal and aborted seeds even among individual fruits. ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ pollen did not affect the fruit characteristics, with some exceptions in Hyuganatsu, ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’, and Hassaku. All the characteristics were superior in Hyuganatsu-pollinated fruits compared with ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’-pollinated ones in ‘Sweet Spring’. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that ‘Nishiuchi Konatsu’ has two agriculturally important traits: self-compatibility and seed abortion. It can be useful for elucidating the mechanisms and as the genetic resources that introduce these traits.

Isolation of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitors from Hyuganatsu, Citrus tamurana Hort.

The present study was conducted to identify cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitory components of Hyuganatsu, Citrus tamurana Hort., by investigating the effects on midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activity of human liver microsomes. As a consequence, limonin and nomilin were identified as CYP3A inhibitors from the endocarp of Hyuganatsu.

A new virus related to Satsuma dwarf virus: the nucleotide sequence of the 3'-terminal regions of Hyuganatsu virus RNAs 1 and 2. Brief Report.

The sequences of the 3'-terminal 1306 and 2160 nucleotides of RNAs 1 and 2 of a virus serologically related to Satsuma dwarf virus (SDV) from Hyuganatsu ( Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tan.) were determined, respectively. We found that the partial RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region in RNA1 and the coat proteins (CPs) region in RNA2 of the virus tentatively named Hyuganatsu virus (HV) have 78.3-84.0% and 76.9-80.7% amino acid sequence identities to those of known SDV-related viruses (SDV-RVs), i.e., SDV, Citrus mosaic virus, and Navel orange infectious mottling virus. Sequence analyses show that HV is classifiable as a new SDV-RV species.

Effects of storage conditions on the composition of Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka (hyuganatsu) essential oil.

Compositional changes of Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka (hyuganatsu) essential oil were analyzed after storage for 1, 3, 6, and 9 weeks at -21, 5, 20, and 30 degrees C. The total amount of oxides increased greatly. The contents of monoterpene alcohols and ketones also increased. The total amount of monoterpene hydrocarbons was unchanged up to 30 degrees C. However, the contents of myrcene, gamma-terpinene, and terpinolene decreased, while there was a considerable increase in p-cymene. Among the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, considerable increases in the (-)-cedrene, gamma-elemene, and alpha-humullene contents were noted in samples stored at 30 degrees C, and the trans-beta-farnesene content decreased during storage. The total content of monoterpene alcohols was increased slightly. The content of trans-carveol increased during storage. p-Cymene, trans-carveol, isopiperitone, and limonene oxide contents increased, while gamma-terpinene, terpinolene, and citronellal contents decreased significantly during storage. The changes of these compounds during storage can serve as a quality index for hyuganatsu essential oil.

Characterization of the odor-active volatiles in citrus Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka).

The volatile components of Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka) peel oil, isolated by cold-pressing, were investigated by chemical and sensory analyses. According to chemical analysis by GC and GC-MS, limonene (84.0%) was the most abundant compound, followed by gamma-terpinene (6.9%), myrcene (2.2%), alpha-pinene (1.2%), and linalool (1.0%). Monoterpene hydrocarbons were predominant in Hyuganatsu peel oil. The odor-active volatiles in Hyuganatsu flavor were studied by GC-olfactometry and omission tests. The characteristic flavor was present in the oxygenated fraction. Flavor dilution (FD) factors of the volatile flavor components of the Hyuganatsu cold-pressed oil were determined by aroma extraction dilution analysis (AEDA). Furthermore, relative flavor activity was investigated by means of FD factor and weight percent. Ten kinds of odor compounds having Hyuganatsu-like aroma were detected by AEDA: limonene, linalool, octanol, neral, neryl acetate, tridecanal, trans-carveol, cis-nerolidol, trans,trans-farnesyl acetate, and trans,trans-farnesol. Linalool and octanol were regarded as the most odor-active or key compounds of Hyuganatsu aroma. Diluted solutions of linalool and octanol of approximately 2 ppm gave a fresh and fruity aroma note similar to Hyuganatsu flavor.

Pollen Tube Growth, Fertilization and Seed Development in Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) Seedless Cultivars 'Muroto-Konatsu' and 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu'

'Muroto-Konatsu' and 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' are seedless bud mutants of Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana) which were examined for their bases of seedlessness. 1. There were no significant differences in the numbers of ovules and locules per ovary among 'Muroto-Konatsu', 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' and common type Hyuganatsu. 2. When 'Muroto-Konatsu', 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' and the common type were pollinated with pollen from 'Suisho-Buntan' pummelo, the pollen tubes barely penetrated the pistil of 'Muroto-Konatsu', whereas they grew down to the ovary of 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' and the common type. Hence, 'Muroto-Konatsu' had a few fertilized ovules which failed to set seeds, whereas 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' and the common type had the same number of pollen tubes in the upper part of their ovaries 14 day after pollination and set an equal of fertilized ovules and seeds. 3. Self-pollination and reciprocal pollination were performed in 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' and the common type. In self-pollinated 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu', the pollen tubes penetrated into upper part of the ovary. Hence, a few fertilized ovules were produced. In reciprocal pollinated 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' and the common type and self-pollinated the common type, the pollen tubes penetrated only into middle part of the styles. Hence no fertilized ovules were produced. These data indicate that the seedlessness of 'Muroto-Konatsu' results from the inhibition of pollen tube growth into the pistil when cross-pollinated, whereas in 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu', which is partially self-compatible, it is nearly always seedless because of poor pollen growth when self-pollinated. We conclude that seedless cultivars 'Muroto-Konatsu' and 'Nishiuchi-Konatsu' mutated in the characters of the pistils on cross-compatible and self-incompatible, respectively.

Volatile flavor components of ripe and overripe ki-mikans (Citrus flaviculpus Hort. ex Tanaka) in comparison with Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka).

The volatile flavor components of ripe and overripe ki-mikan (Citrus flaviculpus Hort. ex Tanaka) peel oil samples, which had been isolated by cold-pressing, were investigated by capillary GC and GC-MS, and compared with the Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka) flavor. Limonene (ripe fruit, 82.44%; overripe fruit, 73.10%) was the most abundant compound in the ki-mikan oil, this being followed by gamma-terpinene (8.83% and 13.74%), trans-beta-farnesene (1.76% and 3.12%) and myrcene (1.54% and 1.13%). The composition of overripe ki-mikan oil was characterized by higher amounts of aliphatic and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, monoterpene and sesquiterpene alcohols, ketones and esters than that of ripe ki-mikan oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons, especially limonene (84.78%), were predominant in Hyuganatsu oil. The CPO composition of ki-mikan was qualitatively similar to that of Hyuganatsu, but differed quantitatively. The content of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons was higher in the ki-mikan oil samples than in Hyuganatsu oil, while ketones showed the opposite predominance. These differences were more evident in the trans-beta-farnesene and l-carvone contents. The ratio of both these compounds could be used to distinguish ki-mikan oil from Hyuganatsu oil.

Composition of the Essential Oil of Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka (Hyuganatsu)

The composition of the essential oil of Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka (Hyuganatsu), isolated by the cold-pressing method, was investigated by capillary GC and GC-MS. The effects of harvesting time, degree of freshness, and size of fruits on the composition of Hyuganatsu peel oils were also determined. A total of 126 volatile constituents were confirmed in the Hyuganatsu oils. The Hyuganatsu oils contained hydrocarbons (95.95-96.95%), aldehydes (0.33-0.62%), alcohols (1.91%-2.64%), ketones (0.40-0.62%), esters (0.28-0.39%), oxides (0.04-0.06%), acids (0.01%), and trace amounts of fugenol methyl ether. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were predominant. Limonene (80.35-82.39%), gamma-terpinene (7.71-9.03%), myrcene (2.11-2.28%), linalol (1.37-2.01%), and alpha-pinene (1.17-1.43%) were the most abundant components in Hyuganatsu oils. The principal sesquiterpene hydrocarbon was trans-beta-farnesene (0.60-1.04%), and its content in Hyuganatsu oils was higher than in oils of other citrus fruits. The number of ketones and the content of l-carvone in Hyuganatsu oils were higher than in other citrus oils.

Evaluation of fruit tissue texture and internal disorders by laser Doppler detection

Ripening-dependent changes in fruit texture and the development of physiological disorders affecting texture were sensed remotely by laser Doppler detection based on changes in surface vibrations. Intact fruit of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) Liang et Ferguson, `Hayward'), peach (Prunus persica Batsch., `Akatsuki'), and Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai, `Cyouju'), at different maturity stages, were placed on a vibration generator stage and the sample was subjected to sine wave excitation through a frequency series from 5 to 2000 Hz. Vibration transmitted through the fruit to the upper surface was measured by a laser Doppler vibrometer. Phase shift caused by the transmission through the fruit was determined based on the comparison of the difference between input and output vibration signal. To reconcile changes in the phase shift with other methods used for texture analysis, a probe with a load sensor was inserted into the sliced fruit and displacement force was measured. The correlation coefficient (r) between displacement force and phase shift at either 1200 or 1600 Hz was 0.81 to 0.92 (P<0.01). The laser Doppler technique was also capable of detecting citrus fruit (Citrus tamurana Hort. ex Tanaka) afflicted with internal defects. These data suggest that laser Doppler detection of fruit vibration signals has the potential for use as a versatile remote sensing tool for evaluation of fruit tissue firmness and maturation. It also offers a possible means of evaluating otherwise concealed internal defects that render fruit unacceptable.

Changes of abscisic acid, indole-3-acetic acid and gibberellin-like substances in the flowers and developing fruitlets of citrus cultivar ‘Hyuganatsu’

Endogenous hormonal changes associated with fruit set and growth were studied in ‘Hyuganatsu’ ( Citrus tamurana [Hort.] ex. Tanaka), a species which has no parthenocarpic ability. Concentrations and contents of abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid acid (IAA) and gibberillin (GA)-like substances were measured before, during and after anthesis, in several floral and fruitlet parts. On the day of anthesis, the ABA concentration in stamens had decreased to about 30% as compared to 5 days before, while the IAA concentration in stamens and petals had increased about twofold. Eight days after anthesis (DAA), the contents of ABA and IAA in the styles and in the fruitlets increased markedly, particularly in the pollinated flowers in which were found the highest values per fresh weight recorded in this study. The contents of GA-like substances rose continuously in the pollinated fruitlets, whereas in unpollinated ones no increase was found from 8 DAA. These changes in hormone levels are discussed in relation to the development of the floral parts and the early growth of the fruitlets.