THE EVALUATION OF CEPA IN RELATION TO HARVESTING OF SMALL FRUITS

In experiments to evaluate the effect of 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid (CEPA) on ripening and harvesting, promising results were obtained with blueberries and black currants.
In blueberries, ripening could be advanced without premature fruit drop, but fruit size was slightly reduced.
In black currants, CEPA facilitated "stick-harvesting", without an unacceptable fruit drop or a detrimental effect on fruit size, and also reduced the percentage of damaged fruits.
In red currant ‘Red Lake’, CEPA treatment promoted fruit abscission and reduced fruit damage.
In gooseberries, 500 ppm CEPA reduced fruit retention force, but also softened the fruit.
Raspberries and strawberries did not react favourably to CEPA.

Symposium on growth Regulators in Fruit Production

A.A. van Oosten

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1973.34.54