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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Wenatchee, Washington » Physiology and Pathology of Tree Fruits Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #235387
Title: Extensive metabolmic change precedes superficial scald development

Author
item Rudell, David
item Mattheis, James
item Whitaker, Bruce
item HERTOG, MAARTEN - KATHLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT

Submitted to: Acta Horticulture Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2009
Publication Date: 10/15/2009
Citation: Rudell Jr, D.R., Mattheis, J.P., Whitaker, B.D., Hertog, M. 2009. Extensive Metabolmic Change Precedes Superficial Scald Development. Acta Horticulture Proceedings. N/A.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Superficial scald development and metabolomic changes were compared in peel tissue of diphenylamine (DPA) treated, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treated, or untreated ‘Granny Smith’ apples stored for up to 6 months at 1 oC in air. Metabolomic evaluation, including 600+ metabolites, was employed to characterize scald-related metabolism. Statistical modeling revealed differentiation of metabolomes based on treatment and storage duration. The 1-MCP treated fruit peel metabolome differentiated from the other treatments within the initial 2 weeks of storage. DPA-treated and control metabolomes differentiated beginning at 4 weeks, 1 to 2 months prior to the appearance of scald symptoms. Peel content of many metabolites increased or decreased in control compared with DPA-treated fruit. Scald-related metabolites included many sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids, some of which were localized primarily in the epidermis/hypodermis rather than the cuticle/wax layers. Methanol and various methyl esters were associated with scald symptom development while other metabolites, including typical varietal esters, alcohols, and aldehydes were associated with healthy, DPA treated fruit. Overall, the results revealed that wide-spread metabolomic changes leading to scald precede symptom development and reflect changes in peel tissue health.