CHANGES IN ZEATIN LEVELS OF DEVELOPPING FIG FRUIT (Ficus carica L. cv. Bursa Siyahı)

In this study, the levels of endogenous free-, bound- and total-zeatin (Z) has been examined in fig fruit (Ficus carica L. cv. Bursa Siyahı). The fruit harvested at different developmental stages were analysed for endogenous zeatin content. The index of maturity was stage 1 (green, small), stage 2 (green, big) and stage 3 (dark brown, harvest maturity). This work describes the identification of endogenous cytokinins through HPLC methodology in developing fig fruits. At the end of the research, it has been showed that endogenous zeatin plant hormones, which has been synthesised, were both free and bound forms. Concentration of free, bound and total Z during the growing stages varied between 536-1707 ng.g-1, 661-1932 ng.g-1 and 1208-2797 ng.g-1, respectively. High concentrations of endogenous Z have been found in early stages of fig fruit (1). The large accumulation of endogenous Z in the first growth stage may have an important function in setting the development pattern of the “Bursa Siyahı ” fig fruit