Some Biochemical and Ultrastructural Aspects of Peach Fruit Development

Abstract

`Redhaven' peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.] fruit growth, expressed as cheek diameter, displayed a double-sigmoid pattern in which four stages were defined (SI, SII, SIII, SIV). Free IAA concentration, as determined by polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), paralleled fruit growth rate, peaking at 30 and 85 days after full bloom (AFB), concurrently with the exponential phases of growth. The highest peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) (POD) and IAA oxidase (IAAox) activities occurred during endocarp lignification. The main structural events described were mesocarp cell division within the first 2 weeks AFB and, later, cell enlargement, modifications of the epicarp cells, lignification of the endocarp, differentiation of the chloroplasts, and changes in their starch content. Chemical name used: indole-3-acetic acid (IAA).