Spur/Pedicel Abscission in Plum (Prunus domestica L. cv. Stanley) Morphology and Anatomy of Persisting and Drop Fruits1

Abstract Parameters of spur/pedicel abscission in the plum ( Prunus domestica L. cv. Stanley) have been recorded throughout induction and development during the early stages of fruit growth. This study of abscission includes both young-persisting and ‘drop’ fruits, each having diverse abscission potentials. Gross morphology revealed irregularity of pattern and stain intensity in abscission development occurring between the spur and fruit pedicel. Anatomical study indicated an effect upon cells (as far as 20–50 in number away from the immediate abscission zone) in response to safranin and fast green stains.