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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wenatchee, Washington » Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #206719
Title: Synergism Exists Between Ethylene and Methy Jasmonate in Artificial Light-Induced Pigment Enhancement of 'Fuji' Apple Fruit Peel

Author
item Rudell, David
item Mattheis, James

Submitted to: Postharvest Biology and Technology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/31/2007
Publication Date: 1/15/2008
Citation: Rudell Jr, D.R., Mattheis, J.P. 2008. Synergism Exists Between Ethylene and Methy Jasmonate in Artificial Light-Induced Pigment Enhancement of 'Fuji' Apple Fruit Peel. Postharvest Biology and Technology. (47): 136-140.

Interpretive Summary: Promotion of apple peel pigment synthesis not only potentially enhances the value of the commodity, but also its nutritive worth given the antioxidant nature of many pigment components . Efficient commercial practices for controlling peel color, such as those utilizing naturally occurring chemicals, are still needed. The present study evaluated how methyl jasmonate and ethylene treatment can act together, in concert with light to modulate pigment metabolism in apple pee tissue. The results indicated methyl jasmonate can enhance red pigment and other related compounds alone but its efficacy can be enhanced or reduced depending on the specific compound and ethylene presence and availability.

Technical Abstract: Pigment content of detached ‘Fuji’ apple peel was characterized in fruit exposed to ethylene and/or treated with methyl jasmonate (MJ), then irradiated with ultra-violet (UV)/white light. Peel pigments were analyzed using reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography coupled with scanning UV-visible absorbance detection. Treatment with MJ alone enhanced anthocyanin content, including idaein, the major anthocyanin in apple fruit. Anthocyanin content was further enhanced by treatment with MJ + ethylene. Treatment with the ethylene action inhibitor 1-MCP plus MJ reduced red coloration compared to MJ alone. Treatment with ethylene or 1-MCP alone, or ethylene+1-MCP had no effect on anthocyanin accumulation. Production of hyperin, the major quercetin glycoside in peel tissue, was enhanced by MJ and inhibition of ethylene action with 1-MCP enhanced the impact of MJ. 1-MCP with or without MJ increased phloridzin content. Chlorogenic acid synthesis was enhanced following treatment with MJ and/or ethylene, however, treatment with 1-MCP alone or 1-MCP plus MJ resulted in reduced chlorogenic acid content. ß-carotene synthesis increased following MJ plus ethylene, but was not enhanced by MJ or ethylene alone. The results indicate synergistic or additive responses between ethylene and MJ exist for regulation of apple peel pigment synthesis pathways.