ISHS Acta Horticulturae 179: V International Symposium on Growth Regulators in Fruit Production
CHEMICAL CONTROL OF VEGETATIVE GROWTH OF POME AND STONE FRUIT TREES WITH GA BIOSYNTHESIS INHIBITORS |
| Authors: | Max W. Williams, Eric A. Curry, George M. Greene |
| Abstract:
Gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis inhibitors are effective in controlling shoot growth of deciduous fruit trees. We have tested several methods of chemical application. A mid- or lower-trunk spray or paint, or soil injection in a continuous narrow band on both sides of a hedgerow planting are satisfactory methods of application. Less than 1.0 g of active ingredient applied to a sweet cherry, peach, nectarine or plum tree as a soil or drip irrigation application is sufficient to control vegetative shoot growth of a tree with a 15.0-cm diameter trunk for 2 seasons. When dissolved in a nonphytotoxic organic solvent and applied to the mid- or basal-trunk, the amount of chemical required to control shoot growth of a central leader trained peach or nectarine tree is about 0.25 g or less per tree. Pome fruit trees are less responsive than stone fruit trees and require more chemical. On pome fruit trees high rates of chemical cause undesirable reduction of fruit L/D ratios, pedicel length and leaf size. | |
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