Abstract: Changes in concentrations of endogenous ABA and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid(ACC) of ‘Hongdeng’ sweet cherry（Prunus avium L.‘Hongdeng’）, and the effects of ABA and ethephon application on fruit maturation were investigated. The results suggested that ABA content of peel increase with the fruit maturation and be the highest at 43 days after full bloom (DAFB). ABA content of pulp was higher at 14 DAFB and then decreased until 25 DAFB, but subsequently increased dramatically. The ACC level was low throughout the growth period. ABA application increased the level of endogenous ABA and ethylene production, but there was no effect of ABA application on endogenous ACC level. Ethephon application could increase the endogenous ethylene production and ACC level. ABA application increased the
fruit maturation and anthocyanin content, accelerated fruit softening. There were no effects of ethephon application on fruit firmness, anthocyanin content and maturation index.

Key words: sweet cherry, ABA, ACC, ethylene, maturation