The Effects of Ascorbic Acid and Melatonin on White Drupelet Disorder in "Apache" Blackberries
Abstract
White drupelet disorder (WDD) is observed during the developmental phases of blackberries (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson), appearing as patches of white, commonly flaccid drupelets on the fruit. This disorder poses a significant economic problem to farmers, as affected fruits are unmarketable. Several factors have been described to have a potential role in causing WDD, such as excessive light and high humidity. However, the involvement of anthocyanins has yet to be studied. Two plant-regulators, ascorbic acid and melatonin, were applied to fruiting blackberry plants over three weeks, the fruits of which were collected and analyzed for WDD, pH, abscisic acid (ABA) concentration, and anthocyanin content. Neither ascorbic acid nor melatonin had an effect on the incidence of WDD or statistical differences in pH, ABA concentration, and anthocyanin content.
The Effects of Ascorbic Acid and Melatonin on White Drupelet Disorder in "Apache" Blackberries
Founders Hall 111 B
White drupelet disorder (WDD) is observed during the developmental phases of blackberries (Rubus L. subgenus Rubus Watson), appearing as patches of white, commonly flaccid drupelets on the fruit. This disorder poses a significant economic problem to farmers, as affected fruits are unmarketable. Several factors have been described to have a potential role in causing WDD, such as excessive light and high humidity. However, the involvement of anthocyanins has yet to be studied. Two plant-regulators, ascorbic acid and melatonin, were applied to fruiting blackberry plants over three weeks, the fruits of which were collected and analyzed for WDD, pH, abscisic acid (ABA) concentration, and anthocyanin content. Neither ascorbic acid nor melatonin had an effect on the incidence of WDD or statistical differences in pH, ABA concentration, and anthocyanin content.
