CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM OF McINTOSH APPLES DURING THEIR DEVELOPMENT ON TREE AND IN COLD STORAGE: PART 1. GENERAL TRENDS

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Abstract
For two consecutive years, weekly samples of apples were taken during the development of fruits on the tree and in subsequent cold storage. Following determination of their respiration, the fruits of each sample were analysed for various forms of carbohydrates and also for their insoluble P content. The last constituent was assumed to represent the 'protoplasmic factor,' Six different physiological stages are distinguished during the ontogeny of apple fruits. These are based on changes in the direction and in the rates of metabolism of various carbohydrates. The first three stages are passed while apples are on tree; the next one is passed either partly or even completely in storage, depending on the date of picking; the last two are passed entirely in storage. At the beginning of storage there was observed a sharp increase in the sugar content or apples. Since there was no corresponding decrease in the alcohol insoluble residue, it was concluded that such sugars must come from some alcohol soluble substances.