Vol. 81 No: 6

Title:
Pre-harvest drop control of 'Red Delicious' and 'Jonathan' apple (Malus domestica) as affected by the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-TPA

Authors:
RAPHAEL A. STERN and RUTH BEN-ARIE

pp: 943-948

Abstract:
´Red Delicious`, the main apple cultivar grown in Israel, and ´Jonathan`, grown on a smaller scale, are prone to substantial pre-harvest drop. Spraying both cultivars with the synthetic auxin 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl-oxyacetic acid (3,5,6-TPA) reduced pre-harvest fruit drop and increased yield. Application of 40 mg l^-1 3,5,6-TPA 2 weeks before anticipated harvest (WBH), or 30 mg l^-1 3,5,6-TPA at 4 and 2 WBH gave the best results, and were as effective as 2,4,5- trichloro-phenoxypropionic acid (2,4,5-TP) which was the commercial product commonly in use until being withdrawn. There were no negative effects on fruit quality at harvest, or during 8 months of storage. Therefore 3,5,6-TPA can be recommended for routine use on ´Red Delicious` and ´Jonathan` apples in Israel.

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