Leaf abscission in peach (Prunus persica L Batsch): ultrastructural and biochemical aspects

It is generally postulated that abscission is regulated similarly in leaf and fruit. In fact, hormones are produced in the fruit as well as in the leaf blade, and a reduction in fruit integrity may result in rapid abscission, analogous to that observed in deblading. To assess the similarity existing between fruit and leaf abscission, a research program was designed. Results concerning peach fruit abscission had already been published (Rascio et al., 1985). Herein some structural and biochemical aspects of leaf abscission are presented.