EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON EXTENDING THE MARKETING SEASON OF SWEET CHERRY

One of the main problems in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) production is the limited marketing period.
Attempts have been made to evaluate the contribution of the plant growth regulators (PGRs) gibberellic acid (GA₃), CPPU (N-[2-Chloro-4-pyridyl]-N’-phenylurea) and 2,4-DP on extending the marketing season of ‘Bing’ sweet cherry.
Harvest was delayed by 7 days and fruit firmness increased following application with GA₃, regardless of concentration.
The pedicels of the treated fruits remained green and viable significantly longer than the control.
Soluble solids concentration (SSC) decreased but the SSC/TA ratio was unchanged following the GA₃ treatments.
Levels of decay and pitting were not influenced by the treatments.
CPPU (5 ppm) delayed color development. 2,4-DP had no effect on maturation of ‘Bing’ fruit, but it increased SSC and decreased TA. The addition of GA₃ to the 2,4-DP applications increased fruit size.
It appears that PGRs could be used, in addition to other means, to delay sweet cherry harvest.
However, the PGR treatment combinations should be studied further before commercial recommendations can be made.

V International Cherry Symposium

S. Zilkah, I. David, A. Rotbaum, E. Faingersh, S. Lurie, A. Weksler

Prunus avium, gibberellins, benzyladenine, CPPU, N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N’-phenylurea, 2,4-DP, PGR, fruit ripening

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.795.112