Endogenous Ethylene and Color Development in the Skin of ‘Pink Lady’ Apple

Abstract

<jats:p>To elucidate the temporal relationship between endogenous ethylene and color development, changes in ethylene concentration, fruit color, pigments, and flavonoids were monitored at different intervals during the development and ripening of ‘Pink Lady’ apple (<jats:italic>Malus</jats:italic> × <jats:italic>domestica</jats:italic> Borkh.), commencing from 60 days after full bloom (DAFB) in 2002 to 2003, and 7 DAFB in the 2003 to 2004 season. Concentrations of chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin glycosides were significantly higher (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> ≤ 0.05) during the early stages (7−60 DAFB) compared with the later stages (≥60 DAFB) of fruit growth. During fruit development, concentrations of phloridzin, catechin, epicatechin, and quercetin glycosides decreased to low and stable levels. However, the concentration of anthocyanin (cyanidin 3-galactoside) increased during maturation and ripening (≥168 DAFB), coinciding with a corresponding increase in percent red blush and endogenous ethylene concentration. Positive and significant correlations were found between ethylene and color development and between ethylene and total anthocyanin, but not the other flavonoid compounds. Ethylene therefore appears to be a key factor regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis and color development in ‘Pink Lady’ apple. However, the accumulation of other classes of flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, phloridzin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin glycosides seems to be regulated independently of ethylene during fruit development and ripening.</jats:p>

Proteomics and SSH Analyses of ALA-Promoted Fruit Coloration and Evidence for the Involvement of a MADS-Box Gene, MdMADS1

“…In this study, about 85% of changed proteins and 38% of up-regulated mRNA in ALA-treated apple skin have a secondary function associated with fruit ripening (Figure 3C and Table 2). This result is not surprising because most fruits accumulate anthocyanin only in their ripening phase (Jaakola et al, 2002; Whale and Singh, 2007; Negri et al, 2008; Bureau et al, 2009). Our results demonstrate that ALA regulates the expression of ripening-related genes and therefore provide more evidence on the regulation of fruit ripening by ALA.…”

“…The central role of ethylene in apple fruit ripening has been well-studies (Dandekar et al, 2004; Schaffer et al, 2007). Of these, ethylene appeared to be a key factor regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis and color development in apple fruit (Whale and Singh, 2007). In the present study, we also identified 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase 1 (ACO1, No.…”

Delayed harvest and cold storage period influence ethylene production, fruit firmness and quality of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple

“…, 2002; Whale & Singh, 2007). Ethylene production is positively correlated to red blush development and accumulation of total anthocyanins in the skin of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit (Whale & Singh, 2007). Furthermore, the development of red blush in apple fruit has been reported to be down and up‐regulated with the exogenous application of AVG (ethylene inhibitor) or ethephon (ethylene promoter), respectively (Whale et al.…”

“…The development of red blush on the apple fruit is regulated by accumulation of various anthocyanins and carotenoids (Lancaster, 1992; Awad & De Jager, 2002; Whale & Singh, 2007). These secondary metabolites contain various anti‐oxidative, anti‐microbial, anti‐mutagenic and anti‐carcinogenic properties, and contribute to both fruit colour as well as being beneficial to human health (Awad & De Jager, 2000).…”

“…Harvesting of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple beyond the CM has been reported to enhance the endogenous ethylene production, and fruit ripening consequently increasing development of red blush on fruit surface (Drake et al. , 2002; Whale & Singh, 2007). Ethylene production is positively correlated to red blush development and accumulation of total anthocyanins in the skin of ‘Cripps Pink’ apple fruit (Whale & Singh, 2007).…”