Fig. 3: A schematic representation of the NAF gradients, sampling of the gradient, and subsequent analysis of marker enzymes and different class of metabolites.

The three gradients represent the three distinct growth stages of apple fruit development at 30, 93, and 149 d after full bloom. A total of six fractions (F1 to F6) were considered in this study. Each fraction was aliquoted and used for various marker assays, primary and secondary metabolite analysis, and ion analysis