Changes of Xanthoxin Levels during Fruit Development in Sweet Cherries

Abstract

Xanthoxin (XAN) in the pulp and seeds of sweet cherry fruit (Prunus avium L.) was identified and quantified by using deuterium-labeled internal standard. The high concentration of total XAN in the pulp was observed in the early stage of fruit development which subsequently declined and remained at a low level until the initial stage of fruit maturation but increased toward harvest. Total XAN concentrations in seeds were high in the immature seed and decreased significantly with seed maturation. Total XAN levels in the immature seeds were approximately 10-times higher than the levels in fruit pulp. This study is the first elucidation of XAN in a non-climacteric fruit.