Ester synthesis by apples supplied with alcohols (C2-CS) and methyl esters of short chain fatty acids (C4-C8) was studied using gas chromatographic analysis of the products. The substrates were supplied as vapours to whole fruits stored in 2% O2 at 3°C. The alcohols were converted to the corresponding acetate ester; butanol, pentanol and hexanol were converted most rapidly. The methyl esters of short chain fatty acids (C,) were converted to esters with an alkyl group (Cn-2, Cn-4) confirming the presence in whole fruits of an active 0-oxidation pathway for fatty acids. Ester synthesis was stimulated when apples were supplied with methyl octanoate at different periods during long term storage in 2% 02. Treatment of the fruit immediately postharvest did not enhance ethylene synthesis.