ISHS Acta Horticulturae 175: Symposium on Physiology of Productivity of Subtropical and Tropical Tree Fruits
THE EFFECT OF ETHEPHON ON NUT FALL IN MACADAMIA |
| Author: | T. Trochoulias |
| Abstract:
Macadamia integrifolia cultivars 'Hinde' (H2) and 'Own Choice' (OC) sprayed with Ethrel (ethephon) at rates of 0, 400, 800, 1200 and 1600 mg L-1 and OC also had 2000 mg L-1 showed increased nut fall in April 1978 and May 1979 as the spray concentration increased. The time to reach 80 percent nut fall (Nut 80) in 1978 was reduced by 20 days for H2 (1600 mg L-1) and 25 days for OC (2000 mg L-1) compared to the control. In 1979 these reductions were 30 and 45 days for H2 and OC, respectively. The March 1978 and April 1979 applications did not produce a response in either cultivar. Untreated trees showed earlier nut fall in 1978 than in 1979. Fruit removal force (FRF) measurements and leaf drop were proportional to the concentration of ethrel applied and mirrored nut fall. Ethrel did not affect kernel recovery, quality or kernel taste and residues were below 0.05 mg Kg-1. | |
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