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Preharvest application of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) or an ABA analogue does not affect endogenous ABA concentration of onion bulbs

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Abstract

Bulb abscisic acid (ABA) concentration has been shown to decrease in stored onions, and onset of sprouting to occur at minimal ABA concentration. It was postulated that increasing prestorage bulb ABA concentration could increase storage life. Analogues of ABA that enhance biological activity and resist degradation are available and are becoming commercially viable. Exogenous ABA and an ABA analogue (8′-methylene ABA methyl ester; PBI-365) were applied separately as preharvest foliar sprays to six onion cultivars with varying storage potential. Quality indicators including pyruvate, total soluble solids and firmness were determined at regular intervals during storage. Neither ABA treatment increased endogenous bulb ABA concentration. Bulb ABA concentration decreased during storage and the onset of sprouting occurred at a minimal ABA concentration (ca. 50–120 ng g−1 DW). This was followed by an increase in ABA concentration as sprout growth continued. No straightforward relationship between ABA and carbohydrate metabolism could be determined.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the Horticultural Development Council (UK) for financial support (CP 20), and Mr. Allen Hilton, Mrs. Balwinder Cook and Dr. Frank Davis for technical assistance, and Mr. Andrew Mead for providing advice on statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University, Silsoe, Bedfordshire, MK45 4DT, UK

    Gemma A. Chope & Leon A. Terry

  2. Warwick HRI, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, CV35 9EF, UK

    Gemma A. Chope

  3. Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK

    Philip J. White

Authors
  1. Gemma A. Chope
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  2. Leon A. Terry
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  3. Philip J. White
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Correspondence to Leon A. Terry.

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Chope, G.A., Terry, L.A. & White, P.J. Preharvest application of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) or an ABA analogue does not affect endogenous ABA concentration of onion bulbs. Plant Growth Regul 52, 117–129 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-007-9169-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-007-9169-z

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