The Role of Ethylene in Initiating Gum Duct Formation in Almond Fruit

Abstract

Abstract Intact almond fruits [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb.] showed a transient increase in ethylene production at the time of gum duct initiation. Treatment with ethylene promoted gum duct formation if applied 1 week before natural duct initiation, but had no effect when applied earlier. Silver thiosulfate, applied either as a spray or through bark-feeding, was found to delay natural duct initiation. AO A also delayed duct initiation when applied through bark-feeding, but not when applied as a spray. Chemical name used: aminooxyacetic acid (AOA).