Effect of white light combined with different UV-B doses on the anthocyanin and plant hormone accumulation in mango peel

Fruit peel color is an important index of mango fruit quality, which determines the commercial value and price. Therefore, increasing the anthocyanin accumulation and improving the red coloration in mango are crucial for the mango industry. The anthocyanin accumulation in mango is regulated by light, however, the effect of white light combined with different dose of UV-B on anthocyanin biosynthesis, as well as plant hormone accumulation, has not been clarified. In this study, green mature ‘Guifei’ mango fruits were subjected to white light combined with low dose or high dose of UV-B, and fruit color index, anthocyanin concentration, and plant hormone content were measured. Results showed that UV-B/white light increased the red coloration and anthocyanin concentration in mango peel, with a better effect of high dose of UV-B. UV-B/white light promoted the concentrations of JA and CK, but repressed the contents of ACC and SA. There was a high positive correlation between anthocyanin and JA and CK concentrations. Our findings suggest that UV-B/white light, as well as JA and CK could be commercially applied for improving appearance quality of red mango cultivar.