Vol. 72 No: 1

Title:
Growth and Development in Black Currant (Ribes Nigrum). III. Seasonal Changes in Sugars, Organic Acids, Chlorophyll and Anthocyanins and Their Possible Metabolic Background

Authors:
T.B. TOLDAM-ANDERSEN and P. HANSEN

pp: 155-996

Abstract:
Potted black currant plants of one year old ‘Tenah’, and three year old ‘Ben Nevis’ were grown in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Fruits were sampled at weekly intervals from shortly after anthesis until harvest. Fruit growth was measured as dry-matter increments, and changes in the composition of soluble sugars and acids were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and colours by spectrophotometry. High concentrations of sugars, malic acid and chlorophyll were observed in the early growth phase, followed by a depression during seed development. Malic acid and chlorophyll content reached a maximum per fruit by the onset of ripening. Degradation of malic acid then followed, while chlorophyll remained constant. Simultaneously sugars, especially glucose and fructose, started to accumulate, and anthocyanin synthesis increased dramatically. Citric acid concentration increased along with fruit growth until harvest, so did the citric acid and water content per fruit. The solute depression during early fruit growth may reflect a period of critical internal competition contributing to fruit drop, and the role of the early developmental changes in malic acid and chlorophyll in fruit photosynthesis and refixation processes is discussed. Finally, the physiological significance of the abundant citric acid in relation to fruit growth, and fruit water balance is proposed.

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