The effect of ReTain plant growth regulator [aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG)] on the postharvest storage life of 'Tegan Blue' plums

ReTain plant growth regulator is a commercial formulation of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG). This compound is known to competitively inhibit the activity of the enzyme ACC (1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylate) synthase which is the rate limiting enzyme in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway. By inhibiting the activity of ACC synthase, ethylene-mediated ripening processes can be delayed. 'Tegan Blue' plums have low ethylene production, which indicates that it is a suppressed climacteric variety. There was a significant difference between the ReTain treated and untreated fruit for the second harvest, this difference was greater later in storage than early in storage. The results indicate that there is a postharvest benefit achieved after applying AVG to 'Tegan Blue' plums. The main advantage is in the maintenance of firmness for late-harvested fruit. Other benefits are the suppression of ethylene production and the development of a more intense colour.