Effect of aminoethoxy analog of rhizobitoxine on ripening of pears

Ripening reactions in pears (Pyrus communis L.) were differentially affected by an aminoethoxy analog of rhizobitoxine (l-2-amino-4-2-aminoethoxy]-trans-3-butenoic acid) (AAR). Ethylene production of both ;Anjou' and ;Bartlett' pears was inhibited by AAR. Decrease in firmness, increase in protein N and soluble pectin were delayed by AAR in ;Anjou' but not in ;Bartlett' pears. While loss in malic acid was retarded in ;Anjou' pears, rates of citric acid accumulation and malic acid reduction were not affected by AAR in ;Bartlett' pears.