Abstract
The changes in the content of endogenous abscisic acid, membrane permeability and anthocyanin content of 'Jonagold' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) were examined during the pre- and post-harvest periods. The endogenous ABA content of both peel and pulp did not change appreciably and remained less than 30 ng. g-1 dry weight until 105 days after full bloom (DAFB). Thereafter, the ABA content tended to rise up through 160 DAFB parallelling the increase in anthocyanin content. After harvest, marked changes in fruit firmness, membrane permeability and ABA content were observed throughout the storage period. These results suggested that the presence of endogenous ABA is one of the factors which affect the maturation and senescence processes of the fruit.
