Effects of multiple applications of methyl jasmonate on fruit ripening, leaf gas exchange and vegetative growth in fruit trees

• Published in: The journal of horticultural science & biotechnology 2003, Vol.78 (6), p.793-797
• Main Authors: Janoudi, Abed, Flore, James A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1462-0316; 2380-4084
• DOI: 10.1080/14620316.2003.11511701

Multiple applications of methyl jasmonate (Me-J), at 10.mM, enhanced the rate of fruit ripening in peach 'Redhaven'. The effect of Me-J on red colour development and fruit firmness was most pronounced in fruit treated six times with Me-J. Lower concentrations of Me-J had no effect of fruit colour. Me-J, at 10.mM, significantly reduced stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of crabapple leaves, but had no effect on these parameters in peach leaves. The short-term inhibitory effects of Me-J on leaf gas exchange in crabapple persisted for up to 24 h. Fourteen applications of Me-J over a period of 28 days resulted in a 60% decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll in leaves. These Me-J applications also reduced the length of new branches, leaf number and leaf fresh weight by 65%, 31% and 47%, respectively. In peach, Me-J induced some leaf chlorosis and early leaf senescence within two weeks of the treatments which resulted in significant reductions in shoot length.