METHYL JASMONATES IN DEVELOPING STRAWBERRY FRUIT (FRAGARIA-ANANASSA DUCH CV KENT)

Two isomeric methyl jasmonates were isolated from extracts of strawber ry fruit (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv. Kent) by means of micropreparati ve gas chromatography. Enantiomeric separation and comparison with ref erence compounds allowed the determination of their absolute configura tion as (3R,7S)-(+)-methyl epi-jasmonate and (3R,7R)-(-)-methyl jasmon ate, respectively. Their genuine content in fruit was monitored throug hout the ripening period from 7 days after anthesis (DAA) to the overr ipe stage (36 DAA). On a per weight basis, the sum of both isomers had a maximum concentration of 277.5 mu g kg(-1) in immature fruits and t hen steadily decreased. The levels of methyl jasmonates in strawberry may affect aroma formation and further events during fruit development .