STIMULATION OF ETHYLENE PRODUCTION IN AGED POTATO-TUBER SLICES BY SALICYLIC-ACID

The influence of salicylic acid (SA) on ethylene formation in aged pot ato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber slices was investigated. SA treatments s ignificantly stimulated ethylene production of the slices during 24 hr of ageing. Up to 90 mu M SA (the highest concentration tested), the s timulation was positively correlated with concentrations. SA showed st imulation effects on ethylene production at pH 5.4, 6.4 and 7.4, with the greatest stimulation at pH 6.4. These results show that SA enhance s endogenous ethylene formation in aged potato tuber slices. This stim ulation effect of SA is different from the general conception that SA ultimately inhibits ethylene biosynthesis in plants. Copyright (C) 199 6 Elsevier Science Ltd