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Effects of early plant growth regulator treatments on flavonoid levels in grapefruit

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Abstract

Early foliar spray treatments containing gibberellic acid(GA3) significantly lower the concentration ofthe bitter flavonoid naringin in fruit tissues. Sprayscontaining a surfactant and different levels ofGA3 (5, 50, 100, and 500 ppm) or abscisic acid(ABA) (5, 25, and 50 ppm) were applied to young,developing fruit on mature grapefruit (Citrusparadisi) trees during the period from April to June,beginning just after fruit set. The fruit were allowedto mature and were harvested early the following year.Harvested fruit were evaluated for weight, juicecharacteristics, and flavonoid concentrations.GA3 application resulted in larger mature fruit,which yielded juice with the same soluble solids valueas juice from control fruit, but with slightly loweracid percentages and lower concentrations of naringin.ABA treatment had little effect on juice solublesolids, acid content and naringin content except atthe highest concentration of 50 ppm, which lowerednaringin levels slightly in juice.

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  1. National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL, 61604-3999, USA

    Mark A. Berhow

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Berhow, M.A. Effects of early plant growth regulator treatments on flavonoid levels in grapefruit. Plant Growth Regulation 30, 225–232 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006349108636

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