Exogenous Abscisic Acid Promotes Anthocyanin Biosynthesis and Increased Expression of Flavonoid Synthesis Genes in × Table Grapes in a Subtropical Region.

Hybrid ( ×) table grape cultivars grown in the subtropics often fail to accumulate sufficient anthocyanins to achieve good uniform berry color. Growers of table grapes in temperate regions generally use ethephon and, more recently, ()--abscisic acid (-ABA) to overcome this problem. The objective of this study was to determine if -ABA applications at different timings and concentrations have an effect on anthocyanin regulatory and biosynthetic genes, pigment accumulation, and berry color of the Selection 21 cultivar, a new × hybrid seedless grape that presents lack of red color when grown in subtropical areas.