Fruit developmental changes in abscisic and jasmonic acid contents of dragon fruit (Hylocereous undatus)

The changes in abscissic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) contents during fruit development of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undaatus) were determined. Associated changes in respiration, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) contents, and sugar levels were also measured. ACC content and respiration rate were high at early fruit development stages and gradually decreased as the fruit matured and ripened. In the pulp, ABA content increased before the increase in glucose and fructose contents. JA contents in the peel and pulp were high at the immature stage and decreased toward maturation. The results indicate that dragon fruit is non-climacteric and that JA may have a role in cell division in the developing fruit while ABA may induce fruit maturation.