Ethylene and CO2 emission rates and pathways in harvested fruits investigated, in situ, by laser photothermal deflection and photoacoustic techniques

CO2 laser photothermal deflection (limit 1 nl l(-1)) and photoacoustic detection (limit 6 pl l(-1)) systems were used to measure ethylene emission rates from point sources of a wide range of mature nonclimacteric and climacteric fruits. In addition, an infrared gas analyzer was used to measure CO? from the same samples. As well as total rates, the percentages emanating from the skin, tissue at the distal end (floral scar) and the pedicel were established. Possible links with fruit behaviour during abscission are discussed.