ISHS Acta Horticulturae 795: V International Cherry Symposium
GIBBERELLIC ACID IS A POTENTIAL SWEET CHERRY CROP LOAD MANAGEMENT TOOL |
| Authors: | O.M. Lenahan, M.D. Whiting, D.C. Elfving |
| Keywords: | Prunus avium, fruit yield, fruit quality, floral bud induction, gibberellins, plant growth regulator |
| Abstract:
This paper reports on the potential of gibberellic acid (GA3 and GA4+7) to reduce sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) floral bud induction, promote balanced numbers of fruit with leaves and improve fruit quality in the season following application. In 2003, we applied GA3 to ‘Bing’/‘Gisela 1®’ trees at 30, 50 and 100 mg/L at the end of stage I (of fruit development), end of stage II and on both dates. Fruit quality was evaluated in the year of application (the non-target crop) and return bloom, fruit yield and quality were assessed in the subsequent season (the target crop). In 2003, all treated fruit were delayed in maturity. In 2004, bloom density and fruit yield were related negatively and linearly to GA3 concentration; 100 mg/L improved fruit weight by 9.6% and soluble solids by 8%. In a separate isomer trial in 2004, GA3 and GA4+7 were applied to ‘Bing’/‘Gisela® 1’ trees at 100 and 200 mg/L at the end of both stage I and II. Bloom density in 2005 showed that GA3 and GA4+7 (200 mg/L) reduced return bloom by 92% and 68%. | |
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