Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Tomato Fruit as Affected by Pollination, Fertilization and Application of Growth Regulators

Abstract

In ovaries of tomato (L. esculentum) which were either pollinated or treated with ethyl ester of indoleacetic acid (EtIA) at anthesis the following changes in carbohydrates were observed. Starch synthesis was initiated and both starch and reducing sugars rapidly increased in concn. Sucrose concn. decreased. Growth of ovaries, measured as increase in fresh weight as well as the changes in carbohydrates, was proportional to the concn. of EtIA in the range 3 x 10-5 to 4 x 10-4. Concns. of growth regulator above 4 x 10-4 gave an increased effect on carbohydrates but did not increase growth. In the presence of older developing fruit on the same plant, treatment with a growth regulator had a reduced effect on both the changes in carbohydrates and the rate of growth of the ovaries.