Response of Abscission Zone of Blue Honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) Fruit to GA3 and 2,4-D Spray Application

Abstract

The nutritional value of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) fruit is abundant; however, its production faces challenges due to a short harvesting period and fruit drop issues. In this study, the effects and potential mechanisms of two different plant growth regulators, GA3 (Gibberellins acid) and 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), on blue honeysuckle fruit abscission and abscission layer formation were investigated. The main cultivated variety of blue honeysuckle, ‘Berel’, was used as the experimental material. GA3 and 2,4-D were sprayed on the plants from the veraison. The anatomical structure of the fruit abscission zone (FAZ) was observed after treatment. Key enzymes involved in cell wall degradation, pectinase, cellulase, polygalacturonase, and pectin methylesterase, were analyzed for their activities. Furthermore, the gene expression levels of cell wall detachment-related genes CX1, CX2, PL20, PE, and key genes for gibberellin and ethylene synthesis GA2OX1, GA1, ACO, and ACO3 were examined. The results indicated that the application of GA3 and 2,4-D could delay the formation of the abscission layer. In the FAZ treated with GA3 and 2,4-D at 5 DAT, the activity of key enzymes involved in cell wall degradation decreased, the expression of genes related to cell wall degradation enzymes and key genes for ethylene synthesis was inhibited, and the drop of fruit reduced. In conclusion, exogenous application of GA3 and 2,4-D suppresses the abscission of ‘Berel’ blue honeysuckle fruit, likely through the inhibition of cell wall degradation and abscission layer formation.