Some Growth Regulator Effects on Fruit Quality, Mesocarp Composition, and Susceptibility to Postharvest Surface Marking of Sweet Cherries1

Abstract

Abstract Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) sprays applied approximately 4 weeks before harvest reduced postharvest surface marking of ‘Van’ and ‘Lambert’ sweet cherries ( Prunus avium L.). Surface pitting was reduced more consistently than was visible bruising. GA 3 -treated fruits were larger and firmer when harvested at a prescribed color maturity. Mesocarp tissue of treated fruits was higher in alcohol insoluble solids, higher in dry weight and contained less nitrogen per unit of fresh or dry weight. Ethephon applied a few days before harvest reduced fruit removal force but did not consistently reduce the incidence of bruising or surface pitting. ‘Lambert’ fruits picked without stems developed more surface pitting than stemmed fruits. It is proposed that GA 3 improves postharvest fruit condition by more than one mechanism. Increased fruit firmness may reduce the tendency to bruise but pitting appears to be suppressed by some other physiological effect of the GA 3 treatment.