ISHS Acta Horticulturae 334: I International Pineapple Symposium
ETHEPHON AND CAUSES OF FLOWERING FAILURE IN PINEAPPLE |
| Authors: | C.G.N. Turnbull, K.L. Anderson, A.J. Shorter, R.J. Nissen, E.R. Sinclair |
| Keywords: | Ananas comosus, 2-chloroethane phosphonic acid |
| Abstract:
Ethephon is widely used as a flower-inducing treatment in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.). However, instances of ethephon treatments partially or totally failing to induce flowering have been noted, particularly following summer applications. High ambient temperatures may sometimes be the cause. Studies with [14C]ethephon have indicated the dramatic effects of pH, site of application and environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity) on uptake, translocation and breakdown of the chemical. Ethephon enters the leaf most readily through the lower epidermal surface of the basal white leaf tissue. The data are consistent with the observations that evening high-volume spraying and avoidance of hot days are likely to be of significant advantage in reducing the frequency of flowering failure. | |
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