ISHS Acta Horticulturae 936: XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on Quality-Chain Management of Fresh Vegetables: From Fork to Farm
PROHEXADIONE-CA REDUCES PLANT HEIGHT, IMPROVES YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY ON SOLANACEOUS CROPS |
| Authors: | H. Ramírez, P.C. Leza, C.E. Rivera, C. Amado, A. Benavides, B. Herrera, A. Martínez , O. Méndez |
| Keywords: | solanaceous, prohexadione-Ca, lycopene, capsaicin, vitamin C |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.2012.936.61 |
| Abstract:
Prohexadione-Ca is a growth retardant which has extensively been used in temperate fruit species; particularly in apple trees. The compound is a plant bio-regulator that is primarily used to reduce excessive vegetative growth, increase fruit set and improve fruit quality. However expertise of this chemical on vegetables is scarce. Therefore, its evaluation on this line may contribute to extend the uses of this growth retardant in horticulture. This research was conducted with the purpose of learning on the effects of Prohexadione-Ca (P-Ca) on final plant height, yield and fruit quality in tomato, husk tomato, jalapeño pepper and wild pepper. The growth retardant was sprayed to experimental plants when reached 10 true leaves, 50% blossom and/or 20 days later. The concentration dosages of P-Ca were 0 (H2O - control), 125, 175 and 200 mg•L-1. Results showed that P-Ca reduced final plant height. This effect was related with a reduction in the synthesis of gibberellins A1, A4 and A7 in shoot tips of tomato plants. Yield was increased with the growth retardant. The content of lycopene in tomato fruits showed a remarkable increment in ripen fruits from P-Ca treated plants. Similar effects were also found on capsaicin content in fruits from jalapeño and wild peppers. The activity of catalase and peroxidase increased in tomato fruits treated with P-Ca; whereas this effect was seen only for catalase in husk tomato. | |
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