Abstract
To determine the influence of water stress on fruit quality, ABA content in peach fruit and its quality was investigated under water stress condition. Water stress treatments were carried out from June 20 (70 days after full bloom (DAFB) ) in 1994 by mulching with white porous waterproof sheet, and plastic film covering over trees. Heavier water stress was achieved on the treated trees from July 9 corresponding to fruit maturation. ABA content and total soluble solid content (TSS) in the peach fruit increased under the water stress condition. Similar results were achieved also in 1995. In 1994 higher ABA content in the fruit was detected at the soil water potential of below -0.06 MPa (the pF of above 2.8) which coincided with that recommended for peach tree during fruit maturation. However, the photosynthetic rate was decreased by water stress. These results suggest that an increase of ABA content in fruit caused by water stress enhanced assimilates partitioning into peach fruit and resulted in higher TSS.
