Vol. 75 No: 5

Title:
Application of the polyamine putrescine increased yield of 'Mauritius' litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)

Authors:
RAPHAEL A. STERN and SHMUEL GAZIT

pp: 612-614

Abstract:
During the last six years, we have studied the effect of putrescine, applied at the beginning of female bloom, on 'Mauritius' fruit yield. Concentrations required varied from year to year, but consistent increases were obtained with 5.10^-5, 2.5.10^-4 and 5.10^-4 M putrescine. In 1994, inflorescences were immersed in a putrescine dichloride (putrescine)solution at 5.10^-6, 5.10^-5, 5.10^-4, or 5.10^-3M. The two intermediate concentrations significantly increased the number of fruits per panicle, by about 100%. In 1995, individual trees were sprayed with putrescine at 1.10^-5, 5.10^-5, 2.5.10^-4,5.10^-4, or 5.10^-3M. The best effect was obtained at the three intermediate concentrations. In 1996, individual trees were sprayed with putrescine at 5.10^-5, 2.5.10^-4, or 5.10^-4M (8, 40 or 80 ppm, respectively). A significant yield increase, of about 50%, was obtained with all treatments. In 1997 and 1998, large-scale trials were conducted, using 40 ppm putrescine. In 1997, yield was increased by 102%, from 4.1 to 8.3 t ha^-1. In 1998, yield was increased by 60%,from 7.2 to 11.5 t ha^-1. Weight of individual fruit was not significantly affected in any of the trials.

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