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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wenatchee, Washington » Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #238919
Title: Processes of temperate fruit development regulated by ethylene action

Author
item MATTHEIS, JAMES

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/21/2009
Publication Date: 6/15/2009
Citation: Mattheis, J.P. 2009. Processes of Temperate Fruit Development Regulated by Ethylene Action. Meeting Abstract. N/A.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Inhibition of ethylene action by 1-MCP in climacteric tree fruit including apple and pear has confirmed a number of ripening and senescence processes are regulated by ethylene. For apple, respiration and acid loss, softening, volatile production, and chlorophyll metabolism are slowed in the absence of ethylene action resulting in delayed ripening and a greatly extended marketing period. While similar responses are inducible with 1-MCP in pears, a lack of predictable ripening currently limits wide scale commercialization. Inhibition of ethylene action via postharvest 1-MCP exposure can also prevent development of a number of physiological disorders including superficial scald, soft scald, and senescent core flush, however, other disorders including peel and cortex CO2 injury can be exacerbated following treatment with 1-MCP. The physiological mechanisms by which some of these disorders proceed is poorly understood and remains to be elucidated.