Effect of methyl jasmonate on ethylene and volatile production by summerred apples depends on fruit developmental stage

Pre- and postclimacteric Summerred apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) were exposed for 12 h to a low concentration of atmospheric methyl jasmonate. Ethylene and volatile production were measured at harvest and through 15 days at 20 degrees C after treatment. Responses to methyl jasmonate treatment depended on the stage of fruit development. Methyl jasmonate stimulated ethylene, ester, alcohol, and acetic acid production in preclimacteric fruits, while little or no response was elicited from postclimacteric fruits. Ketone and aldehyde emissions were not affected by methyl jasmonate regardless of developmental stage.