Combining the application of exogenous plant growth regulators with distinct metabolic pathways to promote color development in table grapes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33158/ASB.r268.v12.2026Keywords:
Vitis vinifera L, anthocyanins, quality attributes, accumulation of pigments, grape cultivar, amino acid precursor, production costsAbstract
This study aimed to assess the association of plant growth regulators 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), abscisic acid (S-ABA), and ethephon with color development, anthocyanin accumulation in berries, and post-harvest conservation of table grapes grown in a subtropical region. A randomized block design with seven treatments and four replicates was used as the statistical model. The treatments included different combinations of ACC, S-ABA and ethephon. Bunch color attributes were assessed weekly, whereas berry firmness was assessed at the time of harvest. Full-ripe bunches were cold stored at 1 ºC, and after 45 days, their main attributes were evaluated. The combined exogenous application of ACC and S-ABA 7 d after véraison promoted the color development of table grapes grown in subtropical regions. For ‘Benitaka’ grapes, the application of ACC 50 g 100 L-1 + S-ABA 3.0 L ha-1 resulted in adequate color coverage. However, for ‘Rubi’, ACC 100 g 100 L-1 + S-ABA 3.0 L ha-1 was more effective in intensifying and uniformizing the red color of the fruit, with no negative impact on the firmness of the berries as well as preservation of their post-harvest attributes. The application of ethephon + S-ABA, despite resulting in good color development, led to a reduction in berry firmness and directly affected bunch quality.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Aline Cristina Aguiar, Leonardo Pulcinelli Cesar, Bianca Liriel Martins Barbosa, Danielle Mieko Sakai, Stefanie Prado Silva, Sergio Ruffo Roberto
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