Ethephon application induces symptoms of fruit tissue degeneration in watermelon

Abstract

Vegetable Research Division, NHRI, 475 Imok-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, 440-706, Republic of Korea Flesh tissue degeneration (called blood-black heart; BBH) of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris S.) is occasionally observed in Korea. Fruits with BBH have lower quality, a dark-red flesh, and reduced firmness of the rind, often producing an unpleasant flavor. Although causal factors are thought to be undesirable soil moisture conditions, e.g., drought or water-logging, temperature extremes, or virus infection, the mechanism for this physiological disorder is not clearly understood. It is possible that ethylene gas (C₂H₄) is involved in degrading the cell walls. To determine such an implication for ethylene in the occurrence of BBH, we foliar-applied various concentrations of ethephon (100, 200, 400, 800, or 1000 mg L^-1) to watermelon plants at 5 or 10 d prior to harvesting, then monitored the development of this disorder in their fruits. At 400 mg L^-1 or higher, quality was diminished and the fruit had softer rind tissues. About 25% of the fruits harvested at that level exhibited BBH versus 100% of the fruits exposed to 800 or 1000 mg L^-1 ethephon. Concomitant with the onset of BBH, those affected fruits produced elevated amounts of ethylene gas during the 4-d measurement period. Therefore, a high incidence of BBH may well be related to this increased ethylene production, which can be triggered by both unfavorable environmental conditions and inappropriate cultural practices.