Effect of sprayable 1-MCP, AVG, and NAA on ethylene biosynthesis, preharvest fruit drop, fruit maturity, and quality of 'Delicious' apples

Effects of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), and sprayable 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) alone or in combination on fruit ethylene production, preharvest fruit drop, fruit quality, and fruit maturation were examined in 'Delicious' apples (Males xdomestica Borkh.). 1-MCP and AVG + NAA, when applied 15 days before anticipated harvest (DBAH) for untreated control trees, more effectively delayed preharvest fruit drop than AVG or NAA used alone. However, there was no significant difference in ethylene production between fruit treated with 1-MCP or AVG + NAA and those treated by AVG. Two applications of NAA increased fruit ethylene production and fruit softening, whereas AVG inhibited NAA-enhanced fruit ethylene production and fruit softening. There was no significant difference in fruit ethylene production, fruit firmness, and fruit drop control between one and two applications of 1-MCP. The concentrations of 1-MCP did not affect the efficacy of 1-MCP when applied 15 DBAH, but high concentration of 1-MCP more effectively delayed preharvest fruit drop than low concentration of 1-MCP when applied 7 DBAH. Both AVG and 1-MCP suppressed expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase gene MdACS1, ACC oxidase gene MdACO1, and polygalacturonase gene MdPG1 in fruit. Expression of ACS5A and MdACO1 but not MdACS1 in fruit abscission zones was decreased by AVG and 1-MCP. 1-MCP more effectively suppressed expression of MdPG2 in fruit abscission zones than AVG alone.