Vol. 81 No: 1

Title:
The cytokinin CPPU delays maturity in litchi cv. 'Mauritius' and extends storage-life

Authors:
RAPHAEL A. STERN, OHAD NERYA and RUTH BEN-ARIE

pp: 158-162

Abstract:
The effects of the synthetic cytokinin N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl);N`-phenylurea (CPPU) on fruit development and the storage-life of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. ´Mauritius` were examined in Israel over 5 years. CPPU at 5 - 10 mg l^-1, applied to green or slightly red fruitlets (25 or 30 mm in diameter), delayed harvesting by 2-3 weeks compared with control trees. At harvest, CPPU-treated fruit that attained a red colour comparable to that of earlier harvested control fruit, were 20-25% larger with total soluable solid contents:titratable acidity (SSC:TA) ratios more than 50% higher than the controls. Despite their high SSC:TA ratios, CPPU-fruit stored well for 6 weeks at 1°C due to reduced browning, lower decay development and less aril discolouration, and maintained an acceptable flavour. These results suggest that CPPU can be used to extend the harvest season for litchi fruit.

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