Vol. 82 No: 5

Title:
Plant growth regulators increase the fruit size of 'Spadona' and 'Coscia' pears (Pyrus communis) in a warm climate

Authors:
RAPHAEL A. STERN, ISRAEL DORON and RUTH BEN-ARIE

pp: 803-807

Abstract:
The two main pear cultivars grown in the warm climate of Israel, ‘Spadona’ and ‘Coscia’, produce relatively small fruit. Over five consecutive years (2001 – 2005), the application of 0.12% (v/v) Bolero™ [8.6 mg l^–1 gibberellic acid (GA₃) plus 6 mg ^–1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) plus 6 mg l^–1 naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)] at full-bloom, caused an appreciable and significant increase in fruit size without any deformation of the calyx-end, which is typical of GA₃ treatment when applied at the same phenological stage to improve fruit set.GA₃ alone did not increase fruit size. Application of 0.125% (v/v) Perlan™ [25 mg l^–1 benzyladenine (BA) plus 25 mg ^–1 GA₄₊₇] at full-bloom + 14 d, increased fruit size via stimulation of fruit cell division (BA) and fruit cell enlargement (GA₄₊₇), with no negative effect on fruit shape.

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