Abstract:In order to study the relationship between mitochondrial respiratory metabolism and fruit color, total anthocyanin content, respiratory rate, ethylene production, and mitochondrial respiratory metabolism of three varieties grapes (Summer Black, Kyoho, and Gold Finger) during ripening were investigated. Results showed that, CIRG value and total anthocyanin content significantly increased during fruit ripening in Summer Black and Kyoho fruits, but no significant CIRG value change was observed in Gold Finger fruit. Respiratory rate and ethylene production increased firstly and reached to the peak value at 63 days after flowering, and then decreased after 63 days of flowering during ripening. Meanwhile, MPTP increased with the ripening incidence, which was opposite to MMF changes. The activities of SDH decreased with fruit ripening, while CCO activities increased after 63 days of flowering. These results suggest that, 63 days after flowering may be the key point of fruit color development. Mitochondrial respiratory metabolism enhancement promoted fruit respiratory rate and ethylene production, which triggered the anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in Summer Black and Kyoho fruits and accelerated chlorophyll degradation and carotenoid biosynthesis in Gold Finger fruit. These results provided the basic information to reveal the mechanisms of promoting fruit coloration of grape fruit in south China.